Not sure what to make of this......been sent two Occ Health reports saying that 'in all likelihood' I have a disability as defined by disability employment law,......

[fedupwithbt]

.....and just wondered whether I should be viewing this in a 'positive' / protective light or be rather concerned that it will prevent me from gaining new employment should I wish to in the future.

Bit of backstory, I'm 37, have a fairrly stressfull public sector job (same job for last 10 years ish). have suffered from depression intermittently since the age of 21 and have been signed off a few times over the last decade due to symptoms of this illness. In general am able to manage well with intermittent medication/therapy when needed. Have always performed well in my job, had excellent appraisals etc so no issues there.

In early 2012 something happened at work which set off quite a severe episode of anxiety/depression and I have been off sick since mid Jan, set to return in a weeks time. During my time off sick I have had two telephone occ health assessments and have been copied in on the reports sent to my manager. In both the assessor stated that in their opinion I would be viewed as suffering as having as a disability as defined by current employment leislation (not exact words).

Am not sure whey they put this in and to be honest I do not really consider that I do suffer a disabilty, yes it is an ongoing occasionally problematic illlnness but generally does not affect my working life in any way.

Can anyone advise as to whether this will affect my future employment rospects and will I have to tick 'yes' on any health questionnaire that asks if I have a disability?

Thanks

If your employer was to share this info externally, they'd need your permission due to the data protection act.

i think it's probably a good thing (though i have no direct experience). i would suspect that your attendence record doesn't look good due to your sick absence, and you may be asked to disclose this to a future potential employer, however if you are covered by the dda then you cannot be discriminated against beause of it, so i think it's probably a good thing... but as i say, i have no direct experience of disability (though i deal with dda legislation at work).

Its a good thing in your current employment as you are covered under the dda and they have to make a reasonable adjustments- if needed
.
most employers asked health questions after job offers - and if they ask about disability on application the idea is to stop discrimination. However I also suffer from depression and have had episodes on and off for quite a while too - I don't consider it a disablity either and always put no when applying for jobs. Obviusly when asked about time off sick I am honest

When I have requested occ health reports it has been to see how tge employee can be supported in returning to work. It used to be, don't know if it is still now, that they could advise if you would be likely to be covered by tge DDA (think tge act has now changed). Obviously this is something a company would need to bear in mind ie to give you the support you are legally entiled too.

Any employer can only support you if they are advised.

I think you should focus more on how occ health have suggested you be supported rather than an opinion. Returning to work can be tough for many reasons. I hope it goes well for you.

In theory it is to cover you under the DDA /equality act and should help you with your current employer. I would however sound a note of caution when seeking different employment. Yes it is illegal for potential employers to discriminate against disabled people but it doesn't mean it doesn't happen. You do not have to reveal this label and your current employer should not reveal it without your permission. I would think long and hard about the pros of revealing against the cons... In my experience ignorance by potential employers about my disability did lead to discrimination ( job offer pulled once I revealed my disability which would have no direct effect on my ability to do the job... But difficult to do anything to prove discrimination actually took place as it's my word against there's and I would have to bring a case against them... No mean feat when you're unemployed)
On the other hand I do however get support from my current employer and they sorted out equipment etc to assist me everyday + are brilliant about hospital appointments - I have a physical disability but it isn't always obvious to others.