Guaranteed Interview scheme if you have a disability, how does it work?

[YanknCock]

I have had recurrent major depression for half my life and will permanently be on anti-depressants. Most of the time I am ok, as long as I take my pills. However, despite my feeling like it is a private matter, I've had to put this down on occupational health forms, and at my current employer they spoke to my line manager and gave her recommendations on how to manage me.

So now my fixed term contract is ending, and cuts to the NHS mean it won't be renewed. I need a new job, and despite applying for things where I met all the essential criteria very well, I've not even been shortlisted for anything.

So I've got a few more things to apply for. Would it be very wrong to say 'yes' to the 'do you have a disability' question, and tick the 'mental health condition' box? Apparently you are guaranteed an interview if you meet all the essential criteria and have a disability.

It feels wrong, though I've been told before that I am covered under the DDA because of the longstanding nature of my depression.

My main problem is, if I admit to having a mental health problem before I am interviewed, the panel are going to know, because they'll be told 'you have to interview this person because they have a disability' rather than them shortlisting me on the merit of my application. But I feel like if I could just get my foot in the door for an interview, I could at least have a chance to convince someone in person why I'll do a good job. I'm afraid if I got an interview in that way they'd never give me the job though. But if I don't get shortlisted, I've got no chance either.

Our finances are tight enough as it is, we can't afford for me not to work or to take much less money than I'm on now. I'm just feeling quite desperate to do SOMETHING to get an interview!

Sorry this is so long, has anyone got any experience of this guaranteed interview thing, particularly in the NHS? From an interviewee or HR perspective?

I know what you mean, that it feels wrong. However, it is covered under the DDA as it is a disability, albeit a less obvious one than some are. Lots of people feel a stigma around mental health issues, but really, if you had a physical disability you'd want (and be entitled to) the protection afforded by the DDA - so why should a mental one be any different?

Basically, yes, the scheme (Two Ticks?) does guarantee an interview if you are disabled, assuming you meet the required criteria. And it doesn't mean you will be looked at negatively - a lot of employers (esp public sector) actively seek to increase the diversity of their workforce.

So please do declare yourself disabled, because you are! It may or may not help with the job situation, but it should help you get the support you need should you be successful at interview.

Good luck with the job hunting

I have been involved in interviewing candidates under GIS. The line managers on the selection panel are not always told who is a GIS candidate. We always call the candidates up to see if they need any reasonable adjustments, but do not pry.
Good luck.

Thanks for your replies. I am still unsure about what to do. I still have a bad feeling that if I get an interview in this way, they will automatically write me off. Or if it came down to me and another person, my mental health would be a strike against me (even though they couldn't give it as a reason). So many policies are just lip service.

A few years later, a former line manager of mine told me her boss (who was on my interview panel) said about me 'young, newly married, she'll go off and have a baby quite soon' when they were discussing whether to hire me or not. People aren't supposed to discriminate, but they do.

Then again, I'm not getting interviews on my own merit, so I guess I don't have much to lose.

Personally, I've never, ever admitted to depression (which I've had) and anxiety (which I've had) and anti-depressant medication (which I've been on) in a work place setting, as I am scared it would disadvantage me or if things weren't going well, cause people to victimise me on that basis.