How to answer this question?

[Jasmin82]

I have some interviews coming up. At the moment I am in a strange kind of limbo with my current job. Since November I have needed to use a walking stick to get around and, am unable to stand for long periods without something to hold onto due to disability.
My current employer have asked (as my GP has said there is no reason I can't work if adjustments are made) what I need to return to work. I have responded everytime I am asked saying that I need to be able to use my stick and ideally a chair or stool to help with standing for long periods. This request is then ignored until a month later when they ask me again what they need to do for me to return to work.
Given that they are not willing to make adjustments, I have applied for other jobs which I know from experience provide a seat.
The problem I have is how to answer the question of why I want to leave my current job in a diplomatic fashion. I don't want to put them down, but I don't want to gloss over the problem.
I just really can't think of an answer to the question which feels diplomatic right now.

What do you mean the request is ignored? You're not yet back at work are you? So you're sending in the information about what you need, then they're not responding?

It sounds like a weird HR issue...someone's not doing their job properly.

I would contact HR myself in your situation and ask why they have not yet confirmed they can provide you with the environment you need.

I would just say (only if directly asked) that you are leaving your current role for new opportunities and leave it at that. Then go in to say how much value you want to add to their organisation.

The problem I have is how to answer the question of why I want to leave my current job in a diplomatic fashion. I don't want to put them down, but I don't want to gloss over the problem. I just really can't think of an answer to the question which feels diplomatic right now.

There's no need to go into all the ins and outs. Why would you do that. Let's face it, nobody leaves a job when they are happy there, so I don't think they are going to persist in probing why you are leaving.

Don't make it about your physical disability, focus on your value add to them, otherwise you are just giving them a reason not to select you. You don't need to justify yourself, honestly.

Are you applying for jobs (eg receptionist, retail jobs?) that require you to stand, and therefore is a worry they may not give you a seat.

You don't need to disclose formally to a future employer that you are disabled (although it will likely be obvious when you go for interview) until after firm job offer, and by law they are not allowed to ask. After job offer stage, they may ask you to complete a health questionnaire which it would be up to you to request a reasonable adjustment.

If they withdraw their job offer, this could be discrimination, which is breaking the law. That said, if you are applying for roles that require you to be mobile and on your feet as an intrinsic part of the job spec then you need to be aware the employer can justify themselves if it came to a Tribunal.

Thanks for the replies.

@HennyPennyHorror I tell them what I need, and get nothing back. When I respond to the email's asking, I hear nothing for a month.
I was asked at a meeting what I would need and told them what was needed. I got a nod and then they changed the subject.

@daisychain01 The jobs I'm applying for, I've done previously. I already know that seating is provided as part of the job (health sector non-clinical roles).

As you know these future roles will provide seating for you, I would not go into what your current employer is failing to do for you. It is not relevant and a new employer doesn't need to know anything other than you have decided to seek new employment.

I'm very sorry on your behalf that your current employer appears to be letting you down. Their loss!

Seems odd. A chair is such a small adjustment that they probably don’t even consider it an adjustment. What makes you think it won’t be provided when you go back? It’s not exactly a difficult thing to arrange. They nodded and said yes. What are you expecting? A photo of a chair in your workplace?
Anyway, answering the question. You should always give a positive reason for wanting a new job not a criticism of your previous employer however ‘tactful’.
Don’t hide the disability, but don’t play it up. Just focus on why you want this job rather than why you want to leave your other one.

@CherryPavlova Expect that a chair isn't being provided. I've been asking since November. The first time I asked, I got the vaguest acknowledgement in the meeting and the subject was changed and my use of a stick ignored in the way the conversation went (basically, I would be able to use both hands for my duties). I was assigned a week of shifts in January. I turned up for the first one (naively thinking they had listened to me) only to be asked why I still needed my stick and "there's no chair, if you can't stand that long, you'll have to go home." As there was no way (beyond painkillers that mean I wouldn't have been able to drive home until they wore off) I could have safely worked, I had no choice but to go home.
Every time they ask me about going back, I enquire about the chair and use of my stick. If it was in place I'd expect them to either respond with an acknowledgement that these are in place or assign me shifts. Neither is happening.

Ah, I hadn’t realised you’d been in and not been given a chair. How very short sighted of them. They are acting outwith the legislation but I suspect you know that and don’t have the energy to take them on.
Good luck with new job hunting