Disabled box on job application forms

lolita2013

I have Fibromyalgia and am on ESA as my husband works full time I only get my NI Stamp paid for me. When I look for work and it comes to filling in Application Forms I hesitate when it comes to the part Do you have a disability?? My husband said not to say yes as it will only put people off from employing me. I took a job last week and not knowing what it really entailed and also did not tick the disability box and I'm in so much pain that I couldn't do my shift yesterday.I feel so stupid now for not ticking that box and have a meeting scheduled today with the Manager. I have had no help whatsoever from ESA Advisor as my age 56 goes against me and I live in a town with high unemployment. I honestly feel suicidal as I'm letting everyone down. Please advise me if you can ?? The company I have worked for are really nice but I feel so bad that the role I took on is just so physically demanding that I really can't do it

giddypenguin

I believe that box is an anti-discrimination thing, so that the employers can make reasonable accommodations to you for interview etc (some have schemes whereby they interview everyone who ticks the box)

With regards to your current role, please don't worry until you've had a chance to talk to your management. See what they say, you might find, that once you are open with them about what you can and can't do, they are able to make small changes which help improve the situation for you. Try and have a think about things which would improve.

All of these things are give and take - see what the results of the meeting are.

rogerblack

You are not required to tick the box, and requiring disabled staff to do so likely disability discrimination.

Employers are required to make 'reasonable adjustments' for disabled employees - however there is a limit beyond which you cannot reasonably be said to be able to do what you were employed for that you can legally be dismissed.

Explain that you had hoped that your condition, while affecting you, would not affect adversely your job, but this has not turned out to be the case.
If the job is simply too demanding - are there any adjustments that would make it possible?
For example - possibly with a reduction in wages - a reduction in duties or hours, or days a week?

It is reasonable to compare what other employees have as variation in their duties due to non-work-related requirements.

For example, are people with children allowed to go home early to pick them up? Or people with bad backs not put on certain duties.

lolita2013

Many thanks to Giddypenguin and Roger Black. I phoned my manager and explained about my health problems and she has offered me shorter shifts and none of the heavy work so I have agreed to try this. Did not expect this outcome so I'm very relieved that I don't have to leave as I have found everyone friendly and helpful.