New Job Medical Questionnaire

[Nom54321]

I have recently been offered a new job. I had to complete an initial health screening questionnaire and because I answered yes to one of the questions that has now triggered a more detailed medical questionnaire. The more detailed form is asking direct questions, most of which don't apply so I can easily just answer no. However it asks have you ever suffered from anxiety, panic attacks, depression and all have only a yes or no answer. I have had periods of both anxiety and depression throughout my adult life but it's well managed at the moment. I wouldn't have chosen to declare this but the form only gives me a yes or no option. I should add these issues aren't related to the original question I answered yes to on the first form. Do I legally have to say yes? The form says if I don't answer a question it will be returned to me.

Legally, not really no. But if you don’t disclose it then they don’t know and can’t make any adjustments (if required) so if there is an impact on your work down the line you can’t rely on that.

@Mrsttcno1 thank you, that makes sense. I think I'm just nervous of the offer being retracted but overall I'd rather say yes than be outright lying.

Legally, no. It's an employment matter.

The reason they are asking is in case you make a claim for discrimination against them in the future that is related to anxiety & depression. They can evidence that they asked you and by doing so gave you the opportunity to have reasonable adjustments put in place at the point you joined the organisation. By not declaring they can prove you chose not to tell them.

In practice, you could choose to disclose and request reasonable adjustments at any point in the future. It's just if those are then rejected and you have to leave, your claim for discrimination is weakened.

So in short, you don't have to declare and it's very unlikely there will be any reprecussions.

Say yes, unless its a very limited number of jobs (usually that involve firearms etc) that it'd be an issue. If you do need support in the role at any point if you haven't declared it its more problematic than not; it's also to see how you can be supported. If it's occ health then the detail won't be shared with your new manager etc anyway.

As has been said, it's not like you'll be in legal trouble, some employers have a policy that failure to disclose can be an issue but unlikely they'd find out.

Just say yes and it will be fine. These are very common conditions which millions of people have suffered from at some point. It's only in a tiny number of roles it may affect a job offer.

As PPs have said it's to see whether reasonable adjustments may be required now or at some point in the future. Also if you are not truthful on the form and end up with lots of time off due to a condition you didn't declare therefore they couldn't arrange appropriate accommodations it can be a disciplinary or sackable offence in some organisations.

The worst case scenario is you get a follow up phone call from their occupational health to get more information before they rubber stamp you as fit for work.

Congratulations on the new job

Thing is if you refuse to answer that one question they'll know the answer is 'yes' but probably assume it's more of a significant problem than it is.

If you answer 'yes' and they're concerned it would prompt a conversation.

If they withdraw a job offer due to a health issue that is blatant disability discrimination unless the health issue would actually prevent you from doing the job safely and to a reasonable standard.

It's legitimate for them to ask you about any health issues that might affect your work and that you might need adjustments for.

Complete the form honestly answering yes where it's true. Add a note saying that this was die to a unique set of circumstances that you don't expect to be repeated and was well treated at the time so you do not anticipate any recurrence.

Thank you so much for all replying so quickly and with such helpful responses! You have all put my mind at rest 😊

Is it an occupational health questionnaire for health clearance? Because if it is, you do legally have to declare.

It really isn’t going to be a big deal to tick yes, though. They’d be ruling out over half the population if it was!