Job offer withdrawn, please help.

Buffie121

I would like some advice please.

I currently work and found another job through an agencywebsite that I was interested in so I applied. They were very happy with my CVand put it across to the firm in question. I had one interview and it wentwell. I suffer from bi-polar and am registered disabled. I declared this to theagent who advised that she would tell the firm but it wouldn’t be a problem. Iwas then invited to a second interview, where he spent most of the timequestioning me about bipolar and about how long I have had it what it is etc. Ianswered all his questions dutifully even though I do not like talking aboutit.

I was then offered the job, not subject to references or mysick record but he confirmed to me that he would be seeking references from myprevious employer and my current employer and that he would want to see myattendance record at my current employer since I started; over 3 years worth.

I went back to the agent and said my attendance record ispoor because of my bi-polar and also because when I was pregnant I had to stopmedication on doctors orders so I had 6-8 weeks off (I was also beinginvestigated for gestational diabetes, low lying placenta and low platelets).They assured me that it was all going to be ok because it was signed off by thedoctor and I shouldn’t panic.

As I was sensible, I didn’t hand in my notice and said tothem that if they want to see my sick record I will provide it to them from myinternal records and then they can confirm them once they have reviewed themand I have seen a contract of employment. The whole time I was saying I was veryinterested in the job but had not formally accepted and thus have suffered noloss as I still have a job.

After seeing them he withdrew his offer. I am feeling pretty low about this and knowit is because of my attendance record but this is inexplicably linked to mybi-polar so feel a bit discriminated against.

Is there anything I can do or say to him. I dunno, I feellike I want to write a strong worded letter to him.

Thanks in advance and please don’t shoot me down in flames…I just feel it was a pretty poor thing to do to someone who is ill anyway.

cazziebo

Sorry - there is nothing you can do. The offer was subject to references and withdrawn once references received. It would be extremely difficult to prove that discrimination took place. I presume other things were discussed in the interview.

Despite changes in legislation, absence is still a huge red flag to prospective employers. Non medical people are not in a position to judge whether absence is "justified" or not and will just look at absence over a period, usually one or two years. Anything more than the average (is it currently 8 days?) will be viewed as a problem.

If there is a protected disability and it can be proven that this was the reason for withdrawal of an offer there may be a case. if the absence was down to a condition now rectified e.g. continuing tonsillitis followed by tonsillectomy, an employer might be convinced. In all other cases, absence is a problem.


Further advice- do not accept what the agency say. It is in the recruitment consultant's interest to put forward a candidate, have them interviewed and have them place. They do not know what is a problem and what isn't. It is completely misleading to say that if absence is authorised by a doctor it will follow that the employer will accept that as okay. It's the client employer who makes all the decisions.

Buffie121

Thanks for the responses thus far.

I think absence could cause them issues but my point is I was off during my pregnancy, I am now stable and medicated and everything is good. The sickness was situational i.e. being pregnant. They cant discriminate against that can they!?

They didnt receive any references, which would have been good if they had got that far.

Yes its a protected disability under the DDA and Equality Act.

Takeaway_Addict

3 options:

1) accept it and move on with life
2) Write a letter telling them you feel it is unfair discrimination and ask them to reconsider the job (remember though if they do you can be dismissed for pretty much anything within the first two years)
3) take them to a tribunal, as you are working I would expect (but check) this would cost £1200ish to start with, also its long and stressful and there is no guarantee you will win.

Prothet_of_Doom

Look at it from their POV. Thank them for their interest, and say you understand how your previous attendence (due to now resolved issues), might have given them cause for concern, but that you would welcome the challenge of working for them in the future, and should any similar positions come up in say 6 to 12 months time, you'd love the opportunity to show them that the issues are now resolved, and ...... just keep the door open.....who knows....12 months time, they'll be looking for someone, and you won't have had a day off and maybe they'll consider you.

Then move on. Life is too short. I had a rejection last week for a job I could do with my eyes closed, that I'd love to do, and apparently I came over as both arogant and jokey. Ah well, I suppose over confident is my downfall. What do I do ? Nothing I can do.

tomterm8

Do you want to work for a company that doesn't want you?

Even if it is unfair, even if it is discrimination, that is the bottom line question.

bebewoo

Anyway, kudos to you OP for working despite your disability, you've got a good spirit there, sod them.

Buffie121

tomterm8 wrote: »

Do you want to work for a company that doesn't want you?

Even if it is unfair, even if it is discrimination, that is the bottom line question.

No my company want me and I would have got a good reference. Just not enjoying it and would have worked well at the new firm.

Buffie121

bebewoo wrote: »

Anyway, kudos to you OP for working despite your disability, you've got a good spirit there, sod them.

Thanks bebewoo, it's not easy sometimes. lol

[Deleted User]

Buffie121 wrote: »

No my company want me and I would have got a good reference. Just not enjoying it and would have worked well at the new firm.

But you didn't make it to the reference request stage - proof of attendance being more important and no-one can deviate from facts.


People everyday have offers withdrawn - can't prove ID check, failed financial checks etc


The poster at #7 was asking if you wanted to work for an employer who would treat you that way 2 interviews later and what sounds like a painful discussion about your MH how would you be treated day 2 day? - I had a job offer withdrawn 6 months ago but it was the best thing that happened x