New Job Asking for Medical Report

DearyMe22

Hi,

I've recently started a new job. As part of the acceptance of this job they are requesting a medical report and have sent me a consent form. Now over the last 3 years I have had a lot of time off sick with stress/depression.(especially within the last year) Both in employment and whilst claiming Incapacity benefit. In fact I was kicked off Incapacity Benefit as they deemed me fit to work! So rather than going to onto Job Seekers I decided to get a job. My sickness record is not disclosed in my references as my previous employer does not disclose this information. Obviously now if I give consent they are going to be able to see my long periods of sickness I presume?

Want I'm afraid will happen is that they'll dismiss me on medical grounds. Can anyone advise me on the best thing to do? What if I refuse access to these records?

Thanks

Nile

DearyMe22 wrote: »

Hi,

I've recently started a new job. As part of the acceptance of this job they are requesting a medical report and have sent me a consent form. /quote]

Hello DearyMe22

Welcome to the MSE site.:wave:

If you mean that they are seeking permission to view your medical records:eek: , I know I'd refuse if I were in your position.;)

Congratulations on the new job.

Nile

DearyMe22

Thanks

Problem is the form is asking if I have any disability mental or physical within the last 3 years. Obviously I have in this case.

Also the print states that I have the right to withhold consent to the records, but it may affect the decisions made about my employment. What I presume is meant by this is if I refuse consent they can withdraw the employment offer and 'dismiss' me?

therealdessie

You've started the new job, so it's unlikely they would want to get rid of you on the grounds of a formality: it's more likely this document is going to highlight (for example) drug dependancies, or things they need to tell their insurers about for liability purposes.

More than likely it will be held by HR for reasons of Health & Safety etc - I wouldn't let it worry you too much.

mum2one

DearyMe22 wrote: »

Thanks

Problem is the form is asking if I have any disability mental or physical within the last 3 years. Obviously I have in this case.

Also the print states that I have the right to withhold consent to the records, but it may affect the decisions made about my employment. What I presume is meant by this is if I refuse consent they can withdraw the employment offer and 'dismiss' me?

Hi
I may be looking at it from a negative aspect, purely so you can see two sides of the coin, although you obviously have the right to say no, and it may affect the employment. Basically if you have not long started the job most jobs are on a probation period, say for example 6mths, so anytime in that 6 months either party can terminate the employment, obviuosly reasons would be given , but its like a get out clause, for both parties, and the medical records may be one of those "dismiss points".

Personally i would have a look on ACAS website or give them a ring they may be able to shine a bit more light on the situation.

(Sorry).

RedBern

I think it is fairly standard practice these days to request a medical report. Usually there's a basic questionnaire for you to fill in first, which would ask whether you have had any serious medical conditions or treatment - with lots of tick boxes for various illnesses. I'd have thought that it would only be if you highlighted an illness/condition that they could/would approach your doctor (with your consent).
When you completed your application form, you presumably had times of unemployment over the past 3 years on the form - so it won't be a surprise to them that you've been unwell.

Just be upfront about it - you don't have to disclose too much information - but state that you've had some problems which are now resolved, and hopefully will be helped by your being in paid employment.

Good luck with the new job:T

DearyMe22

Thanks all

The contract does state the job is subject to satisfactory medical information.(as well as criminal records checks etc but that obviously isn't a problem) The form they have sent me is a pre-employment health questionnaire. The problem I face is the first question asks for me to details any illness, or health condition I have had within the last 3 years.(excluding minor aliments like cold, flu etc). Now if I disclose my stress/depression what I'm worried about is that setting off a 'trigger' for them to investigate further and seek access to my medical records. If this happens they'll see my sickness record (where my doc has signed me off for sometimes months on end) and alarm bells will ring :eek: .

They are not aware of any sickness gaps....as my previous employer doesn't disclose the information.

mum2one

Me again - sorry - feel like a bad penny rolling back.

Playing devils advocate again, in all honesty, I think you have to tell the truth, because if you didnt and say they found out in 6 mths time for one reason or another, they may dismiss you from the employment, based on the fact that u were untruthful re illness, (I was diagnosed 6 yrs ago with post tramatic stress disorder, previously suffered depression on and off over the years, but has been worse in the last 6 yrs), if that senerio would happen then job centre would say tough luck, you lost ur job, no help, but if u fill in the form honestly, even admitting the gaps over the last few yrs, and they say sorry job didnt work out, its the probabtionary period, then at least job centre would help on. Not that Im suggesting jumping on the benefits band wagon, but u need to put urself 1st.

DearyMe22

Indeed, that is my main concern. If worse case scenario they see some dishonesty (i.e.) me not stating my previous illness...the company could dismiss me on grounds of dishonesty ..in that scenario should I have to go onto job seekers, they will see this essentially as a 'sacking' and disallow me from claiming.

I think the best thing to do is simply disclose it and hope for the best. Hopefully what therealdessie said was right, about it being mainly for insurance purposes. It's just I've read it is used for obtaining sickness history records too.

I do apparently have the right to see the records before they are disclosed, so at least I'll get a warning shot they are requesting the info. Obviously I'll tick the ready for work now box.

Suppose what I'm really trying to find out if it's a given whether they'll investigate my illness with the GP or not?!

pandora205

I think they'd be in a shaky position not employing you (or actually dismissing you) if you've suffered from depression in the past as this would be discrimination on mental health grounds. The fact that you are considered fit for work and no longer entitled to benefits would go in your favour.

Stress is a bit different as it could be work related - if it wasn't then don't worry. If it was you may need to demonstrate how things have changed, i.e. difference with this job, etc. but not necessarily on the form.

mum2one

Good luck, as the other poster said, it is most proberly for inspurposes, and at the end of the day by you being thruthful and honest that goes along way in my book, and shows what a lovely person u are, (also employer would value the honesty). x