Job applications and disabilities

calleyw

My husband thinks he is ready to go back to work after suffering stroke late last september. I don't but that is something else.

He does still have a phsyical disablity in that he has little or no movement in his left hand and some movement in his arm as well problem with walking long distances and standing up for long periods of time.

He may have some problems with parts his higher brain functions as well. But we hope these are not too serious if they exist and can be overcome in time.

He has no problem with using a computer.

Now you have the background to it my question is does he have to mention his physical disablities or can that wait until the interview stage if they invite him to one.

As my husband has wealth of experience over many years (he is only 44) I feel that once they know he had a stroke and has some mobility and possible brain function problems he is never going to be employed ever again by anyone.

Thanks in advance


Yours


Calley

TOBRUK

From reading your post I take it he hasn't a job to go back to - previous employer?
My advice (I am also disabled but unable to work at the moment) would be for him to go along to the job centre - there are NEW DEALS FOR THE DISABLED. They will be able to find him a job (one to suit his needs) and give him support in the job, and while he is on this deal he will not lose benefits either.

Zara33

TBH i would be upfront and honest, they cannot discriminate against a disability.

shameless-about-money

I have just been through this myself.

On the application form there has to be a question which says "do you have a disability" or "are you disabled". This question must be there by law.

Your OH must tell them.

This is to ensure that the employer makes sufficient allowance for your husband as an employee.

Have you been to Shaw Trust? It would be worthwhile to ask at your Job Centre to make an appointment with someone at Shaw Trust Employment - they have been absolutely brilliant with me - even made an appointment to see someone to talk me through interview techniques and how to answer questions about my disability, etc. How to prove I am capable of doing the job I apply for etc etc.
Also, when you go back to work, ST give you a £200 cash payment to spend how you please!

Hope this helps

calleyw

Thanks he has a back to work interview next week so I will make sure that he asks the person concerned about his options and the shaw trust etc.

I know that they are by law have to ask the question do you have disabilities but I just have the feeling that some employers will just right off anyone with a disability because it is extra work and hassle to employ someone who is not totally able bodied.

Yours


Calley

calleyw

TOBRUK wrote:

From reading your post I take it he hasn't a job to go back to - previous employer?
My advice (I am also disabled but unable to work at the moment) would be for him to go along to the job centre - there are NEW DEALS FOR THE DISABLED. They will be able to find him a job (one to suit his needs) and give him support in the job, and while he is on this deal he will not lose benefits either.

Sadly not. He was working via agencies until something came up.

We know about permitted work on IB so that is something we are going to have to look at.


Yours


Calley

Fleago

Hi Calley

May I just concur with what others have said in that your OH should seek the help of Jobcentre Plus who should be able to refer him to an appropriate support agency, such as Shaw Trust. There is support for exactly your OH's situation out there, but it varies from area to area and the Jobcentre's Disability Employment Advisor should be able to help him access something appropriate in your area.

Good luck

Fleago

TOBRUK

I know about permitted work while on IB, but ask about the new deal for disabled

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/WorkSchemesAndProgrammes/DG_4001963

They support you, find work, and see if he is then well enough (I think after a period of a year) to manage working, to carry on into full time work etc and in the meantime not lose his benefits.

I know it is extremely difficult and painful to accept the 'disabled' label, I have had great difficulty with it, but I try not to think about it.

Another plus is that companies now have to by law employ a percentage of people with disabilities in their workforce.

Anyway, good luck to you and to him - he is only a year younger than me, and it is difficult - I sometimes wonder if I will ever work again, and just feel useless etc.

Fleago

TOBRUK wrote:

Another plus is that companies now have to by law employ a percentage of people with disabilities in their workforce.

Anyway, good luck to you and to him - he is only a year younger than me, and it is difficult - I sometimes wonder if I will ever work again, and just feel useless etc.

Hi Tobruk,

It's actually not the case that companies have to by law employ a percentage of people with disabilities in their workforce. The Disability Discrimination Act (1995) abolished this quota system. All employers now have a legal duty not to discriminate on the grounds of disability in all areas of employment, including their recruitment and selection processes.

Sadly, there are still employers out there who either disregard the law or merely pay lip service to it. But there is good news! There are equally employers who are extremely supportive and positively welcome diversity in their workplaces.

It IS very difficult, but please hold on to hope; you're NOT useless and when the time is right for you, you should be able to find support to find a good employer who will welcome your skills and abilities.

Fleago

TOBRUK

THanks for that Fleago, sorry if I misled about companies employing people with disabilities, and thank you for clearing it up!
THank you also for words of encouragement ... it has been a difficult 7 years ... yes 7! I have suffered with M.E. for more than that but eventually had to leave my work (a good job at BBC with prospects) which was devastating.

I thought I would be up and running within a year, but I am still waiting! I have a 'disability' - after an accident about 15 years ago, lost the use of my right arm but that did not stop me, and I had no trouble finding work and on top of that people did not look at me as having any disability - I could do just about anything.

punkgirlyuk

Some companies, mainly public sector guarantee interviews for disabled people as long as they meet the job skills specification.