(UK) Urgent Advice Needed...Job App

[Roseanne]

Hello all!
I haven't been here in a while, but right now my Lupus seems to be calming down and pretty much under control. This means I am going back to the workplace with a part-time job (25 hours a week). I did the interview and was offered the job, but to make sure they did not prejudice against or for me I did not mention my Lupus. Should I disclose it now before I formally accept the job? I do not think it will affect the way I work at all, and don't need them to make any accomodations for me, but I am afraid I may lose the job...what do you all think? I have to reply to them soon, so please post any advice!
Thanks
RM

[Joandublin]

Hi Roseanne

Nice to hear from you and to see you are feeling so much better since last year:)

Im not sure where you live by the way, so there may very well be different 'obligations' re illness disclosure in different parts of the world but for what its worth, where I live (Ireland) you do not need to disclose anything at all about your health unless you are specifically asked by your employers.

I dont see any reason to inform them about your Lupus as you seem perfectly happy and able to take up the position.

I certainly wouldnt rock the boat ;)

The very best of luck and I hope you enjoy every moment of your new job!

Take care
Joan:rose:

[Maia]

I would not disclose any information. Unless you are legally required to for some strange reason... which would be really strange/rare!

[DressageRider]

Don't tell them anything! If you are in the U.S. you are under no obligation to tell your employer.

One other thing - if they offer any benefits to part-timers such as life insurance, disability or long term care - TAKE THEM! There is no underwriting required for the company sponsored benefit. It is often the only way us Lupies can get coverage.

I know that some companies do offer these benefits to part timers - I know mine does - but that is also because I am the benefit designer and I wanted Life and Long-term care and it was the only way to get it!

Janet

[peonyprincess]

You do not owe anyone anything about your health period. There is a federal law, HIPPA, that basically means that no one can know about your healthcare unless you give them permission. Once you are hired, again, you do not owe them anything about your health. You cannot be fired for not revealing health info prior to your being hired. Employers cannot ask any form of health questions and if they do, then if they do, I would run fast from them. They cannot ask if you are on birth control, etc so they cannot ask do you have diabetes, HIV/AIDS or Lupus. Plain and simple, if you can do they job, that is all they need to know about. If something comes up later, cross that bridge when you come to it.

Nancy

[LolaLola]

best of Luck. So glad you feel well enough. will be thinking of you.
x Lola

[Katharine]

Hi there,
Don't know where you're posting from but I asked a student of mine who's a lawyer and he said that it's absolutely none of their business!
However, I am in Belgium so I have no idea for anywhere else except Ireland and I think Joan has covered that one.
Good luck
xx
Katharine

[Roseanne]

Well, before I read all of your emails, I did it anyway...mainly because I am not protected by the DDA if I do not disclose. Thankfully, the CEO knew all about Lupus from a colleaugue in a previous job and said it was no problem, and said he really appreciated my honesty. Now I can turn up to work with my kneeling chair and wrist splints and avoid too many questions! Thanks for your support though, guys!

[Clare.T]

Well done and congratulations on your new job. I hope it works out really well for you - what luck !

What is DDA ? Are you in the USA?

Cheers
Clare

[Roseanne]

I am in the UK, where the DDA is the disability discrimination act. I did a bit of study on it as it applies to us Lupies, and I encourage all Brit Lupies to take a look as it is really helpful!

[Clare.T]

Thanks Roseanne, that's very interesting information and the question of disclosure often comes up here. Could you please give more precise information or direct to the parts that would cover lupus related issues.

It has seemed a very grey area as far as lupus goes. Great attempts were made unsuccessfully to get lupus on the list of diseases that count as disabilities from point of diagnosis, such as HIV and MS, and cancers, if I remember rightly.
Clare

[Marmalade]

I work at a university and when I was diagnosed with ITP.. the autoimmune platelet disorder.. last year, I saw the Occupational Health Adviser who said that it counts as a disability for work purposes. As it was expected to be long lasting it counted from day one. It means that I can take as much paid time off as I need for appointments and when my count is very low. It also means that when I am on immunosuppressants as now, if there is an outbreak of chicken pox or mumps etc in the university, I am supposed to stay at home on full pay until it has passed. If/when I get a diagnosis of lupus, I shall add that as another disability as I know that it will also count.

How you are protected by the DDA really depends on the size of the organisation that you work for. A large place will be expected to do lots for you while a very small business will not because it would be unfair on them.

[gingertoni]

Yes rosanne you are covered by DDA so you should I think really disclose it, I think it will be in your benefit, 25 hours a week is quite alot of hours after not working, I went back to work 6 months agp and do 7 hours aweek and struggled to start with.

[LolaLola]

Very glad for you. It takes bravery to come clean about being ill.
x Lola

[Roseanne]

Dear all...thank you so much for your overwhelming support! I have been in the job two months now, and am coping well, with some adaptations.
The days are short, I have an hour for lunch and my boss is always strict about me keeping to them - curbs my natural tendancy to overwork and tire myself. He also encourages me to get up and move around often, and when he is not in I have outlook remind me - helps with the stiffness.
I have brought in a kneeling chair to help with my posture, a cane for days when the knees get creaky, and wrist splints for when my hands do the same.
My next challenges are to find a solution to mouse use, whoch I think I have found in the QuillMouse and ClickLess equipment...has anyone else tried this, and is it any good? I am also going to get a hands free for the phone so I don't have to hold it when I am talking to people.
It is strange how many adaptations I have had to make just to get up to a normal working standard, but I am determined not to let Lupus take over my life. I wonder if we should have a Lupus workaholics anonymous club - how to adapt to work, and how to teach yourself to slow down!
God bless, fellow Lupies!
RM

[AmandaB]

Hi Rosanne,

I don't think you have to disclose this information - you wouldn't if you were diabetic or ashmatic would you?

Amanda