Jobseeking with disability

Skint_yet_Again

Apologies if posted in wrong place. I currently work part time and my employer will not increase hours of any employee due to cut backs, so I am looking for another part time job on the days I do not work.

I have health conditions which according to our Occ Health are likely to be covered by DDA/Equality Act, and I have specialist equipment (desk that allows me to alternate between standing and sitting), lumbar support chair, headset for phone and specialist rollerbar mouse, some of which was part funded by DwP under Access to Work.

My questions are.... will a new employer also have to provide this equipment for me ? I dont want to jeopardize my health but am also concerned any potential employer will not want to employ me when they find out. Not sure if I could get funding from AtW if they have already funded one job. I am also concerned that if I do work elsewhere without the equpment I will affect my ability to work in my first job

Thanks for any advice

rogerblack

New employers are required to comply with the DDA/...
This means they need to make 'reasonable adaptions'.
These may not be the same as your previous workplace, and it's possible that they can argue that an adaption is not reasonable, and would cause disproportionate costs.
In some environments, for example truckdriving, it would be unreasonably expensive, though it may be technically possible to have a sit/stand seat.
This would be harder to argue if the role is similar to your previous role.

GlasweJen

You can have as many access to work grants as long as they are reasonable.

If you call your advisor they will be able to help with interviews too if you need support for them.

Skint_yet_Again

Thank you for your replies. Does anyone know at what point I should disclose my health issues ... application for the job i would like to apply for is by CV and letter, or do I wait and see if I get an interview and discuss it then, or do I wait until I am offered a job ?

Thanks

Dunroamin

Skint_yet_Again wrote: »

Thank you for your replies. Does anyone know at what point I should disclose my health issues ... application for the job i would like to apply for is by CV and letter, or do I wait and see if I get an interview and discuss it then, or do I wait until I am offered a job ?

Thanks

You shouldn't include any information on this subject on either a CV or letter.

moredeadthanalive

I am disabled and have had several interviews without getting a job. Some of course were due to lack of experience or skills, but I sensed a couple where I here was prejudice.

One guy asked me how I got my disability. I answered honestly because I didn't want to risk upsetting him. He was just nosey I guess.

Another firm didn't want me to have a space in their limited car park because it was for executives only. They wouldn't put in a lift as it was a listed building.

etc etc

My view is that where my disability has no affect on me performing the job, it should not be mentioned in the CV or job application. My cynical viewpoint is that it is just another easy way for them to sift me out without seeing me.

If you don't get into the interview then you won't have a chance to show yourself at your best.

HTH

p999j

From the other side of the desk, I once took on somebody who had a medical issue which did affect his work and that of his colleagues, but he did not disclose it until after he started work with me.

There was nothing I could do about it if I had wanted to, in terms of then withdrawing the offer of employment.

As it was, while it did affect his work, it was manageable for the majority of the time. The rest of the aspects which affected how he was managed were issues to do with confidentiality and lone working. Essentially any employer cannot discriminate by law, but how one records decisions can very tremendously, so I would recommend leaving it until you undergo an induction, once you are in the post.

While you may feel that this is withholding info/being deceptive, any employer would really struggle to then back out-You have no requirement to announce your disability. It didn't make me feel like he would be an easy person to work with, but from that point in the process, at least he could be 'judged' (at performance reviews, etc) based purely on his professional capacity rather than any perceptions I may or may not have had.

I hope that is of some help to you.

GlasweJen

My company specifically don't ask until day 1 on the job when you fill out your health questionnaire, having a disability in the workplace isn't a big deal unless you apply for inappropriate jobs or make a big song and dance about it.

Just interview as normal and then use the person who is corresponding with you about your application as a communicator for access to work (obviously ask them). The HR clerk who dealt with my A2W stuff didn't mention to the manager recruiting me that I had a medical condition, I had to break the news to the store manager when I started.

Skint_yet_Again

p999j wrote: »

I hope that is of some help to you.

Thank you so much for all your replies. They have given me a better idea of what I am facing, and I have decided after 24 years in the same job that I am going to apply for a new job. :eek: scary

p999j

I am thinking about a career change too, but am developing an idea which would mean going into business for myself. The uncertainty with income and how to take the first steps makes the whole thing scary but exciting. And the only way you can really enjoy life is to take (measured) risks.

My decision to be self employed is partially due to recognising the physical and mental limitations I now have.

If you always do what you always did, you'll get what you always got, so it takes courage to change lanes.

I think making the decision is the first brave step!

Good luck!