Health conditions and job applications

[lovesbeingamummy]

Hi

Hoping someone can help.

I have just received notification from my employer that my job is at risk of redundancy. Not a complete shock, been expecting really. I should find out in the New Year if i'm going, or not.

Anyway , i've been doing a bit of job hunting over the last few days and have an application form to complete.

Bit of background. I suffer from a heart condition, for which i take medication and see a cardio. I feel perfectly fine most of the time and have had no days off work for the last 3 years since i was diagnosed :) Basically, I'm really worried about declaring it on application forms, for fear it my go against me. When it asks on an application form about ilnesses/disabilities do you have to declare them?

TIA

If your condition is chronic and without medication/treatment would cause an adverse effect on your ability to carry out day to day activities then you are likely to have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010.

However, you do not have to declare this at application stage and I would be very surprised if you were asked. The only time I really see organisations asking about disabilities is where they have a policy to give an interview to anyone who applies who has a disability.

If you are offered a job you may be asked to complete a medical questionnaire or attend a medical. This is to ensure the organisation can make sure they are meeting their health & safety and insurance liabilities. If an employer withdrew their job offer because of your medical condition they would be in breach of the EA and you could claim for damages at a tribunal.