Quite probing health questionnaire for new job

[fraggletits]

Hi everyone - just looking for a little advice.

i've got a new job starting in a couple of weeks and I've just been sent a health questionnaire to fill in and send to them before I start.

It seems quite probing and if I give my permission, they are going to contact my dr to see my health record.

I had post natal depression after DD2 and was on citalopram for over a year which I feel uncomfortable disclosing to them on the form under the 'any mental illnesses i.e depression, anxiety etc?' section. I worry they might think I'm a liability or something which I'm not - getting back to work is going to be really good for me!

If I don't disclose it, they'll see it anyway from my record, and if I don't allow permission for them to see my record will they be distrustful of me/retract my job offer - it isn't clear on the form.

Any advice really appreciated :)

PND is very very common and employers are not allowed to discriminate on health grounds, though there are of course certain jobs and illnesses that are not compatible with each other

Honesty is the best policy, you have nothing to be ashamed of or concerned about.

You already HAVE the job, I'm sure they CANNOT revoke the job offer based on the health questionnaire. If they found you had lied on your form though, they could dismiss you instantly.

thanks for that ashamed, that's really helpful. I'll disclose it.

good luck with the job

The health questionnaire is so that they can put anything in place that may help you do your job. Not just physical things like desk space adjustments, but support like counselling or Occupational Health.

They have offered you the job, and you have accepted it. The health Qs are the detail the employer needs to know to fulfil their Health, Safety and Welfare obligations to you.