Intrusive questions on application forms

SnowyOwl_2

I have asked a firm for an application form and am genuinely interested in the vacancy. Unfortunately the application form has some rather nosy questions on it, which I am not particularly comfortable about answering as IMO the answers are irrelevant to the short listing process.

They want candidates to "list any diseases, disorders, allergies, muscular or musculoskeletal injuries from which you have suffered or do suffer"
and "Please detail any form of medicine, drugs or treatment you are currently and/or regularly receiving"

This is for an admin type job in a car dealership, so it's not like those assessing application forms are likely to be able to make fair decisions about applicants who do answer these questions fully.

They have noted at the end of the form that the information provided on the form must be complete and correct and that any untrue or misleading info would give them the right to terminate any employment contract offered!


Are employers entitled to ask for such personal information at the application stage? I have suffered from depression in the past and IMO it's irrelevant to this job but giving them this detail could prejudice my chances in getting the job. That's besides the fact that I don't know who will see the info, it could be a neighbour for all I know, and I'd never in a million years discuss my past health with them. What should I do?

SeduLOUs

My advice? Don't even bother applying if you are uncomfortable with the application form. Yes we all want a job, but to me if an employer is so prying at this stage, what does this tell you about how they might act when they are actually your employer?

Perhaps this link may be of help for information: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/85013/employment-health-questions.pdf

You could apply and politely decline to answer the questions based on that. That way you would not be lying. But, it comes back to the question of whether you want to work for someone who is behaving like this before you've even turned up for an interview.

You'd probably just be viewed as a troublemaker and declined anyway, so I personally just wouldn't bother wasting my time with the form. Spend the time reporting them instead

BookWorm

SnowyOwl wrote: »

They want candidates to "list any diseases, disorders, allergies, muscular or musculoskeletal injuries from which you have suffered or do suffer"
and "Please detail any form of medicine, drugs or treatment you are currently and/or regularly receiving"

This is for an admin type job in a car dealership, so it's not like those assessing application forms are likely to be able to make fair decisions about applicants who do answer these questions fully.

It sounds like it's a generic application form rather than role specific. They would be concerned about potential physical problems for the more manual roles (eg - mechanics)

I would think the company is looking to cover themselves from a health & safety point of view.

If you are not comfortable with the form then don't apply

ohreally

BookWorm wrote: »

It sounds like it's a generic application form rather than role specific. They would be concerned about potential physical problems for the more manual roles (eg - mechanics)

I would think the company is looking to cover themselves from a health & safety point of view.

The general position is that it is unlawful for an employer to ask any job applicant about their health or disability unless and until the applicant has been offered a job.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/85013/employment-health-questions.pdf

Q's can be put however this should only be in specific circs.

theoretica

Any diseases you have suffered? You could play daft and ask them if they really want to know about mumps when you were 6 and the ankle you sprained at school and decide what to do based on their reply.

Gavin83

Just don't list your depression, how are they going to find out? They won't have access to your medical history.

Besides, I don't believe it's legally any of their business so they'd be on shaky grounds trying to sack you for not mentioning it. They can of course ask about any current diseases that may cause issues for the job but beyond that they're pushing it.

Energize

I just don't list any, they can't access any medical records without your permission so it's not as though they are going to find out.

The only circumstances where it would matter is if your medication or condition put others at risk, for 99% of situations that's not the case though and it's moot because they would then actually be asking for medical proof when it came to offering the position.

martinthebandit

Just put down ' none relevant'

mandragora_2

I'd do a simple N/A for those questions. Neutral, but if they want to know more, the onus is on them to explain WHY the question would apply.

Katgrit

Don't go kicking off and get labeled as a trouble maker before you've even got the job. Just write "None relevant" as another poster said, or "To be discussed at interview if necessary". If it's a generic form mainly used to assess fitness of mechanics etc then you'd be daft to not give it a go if it's a job you'll like. Head office designing a form doesn't have any relevance in the day to day team or manager you'd be working for.

DKLS

Another reason to add to the long list of why I refuse to fill in an application form and don't pursue any job that uses those outdated and time consuming HR tools.