Telling new employer about health issue
Discussion
Hi,
I am being made redundant and the stars have aligned with an incredible new job opportunity presenting itself at the same time.
I also have young onset Parkinson’s. It’s fairly well controlled with meds currently and doesn’t really affect my work. However I’m under no illusion that that may change over time.
I was planning to tell my new employer once the contract is signed. Is this the best strategy? Should I say sooner? I don’t want them to be blindsided but also don’t want to jeopardise any chances of getting the job.
Thanks
I am being made redundant and the stars have aligned with an incredible new job opportunity presenting itself at the same time.
I also have young onset Parkinson’s. It’s fairly well controlled with meds currently and doesn’t really affect my work. However I’m under no illusion that that may change over time.
I was planning to tell my new employer once the contract is signed. Is this the best strategy? Should I say sooner? I don’t want them to be blindsided but also don’t want to jeopardise any chances of getting the job.
Thanks
The contract my well have a clause that says if circumstances change that have an effect on your ability to do your job, you should inform your employer immediately.
This normally in place with a similar clause on items not disclosed at take on, that may effect etc etc.
It's a very difficult call but remember if you sign an agreement , that's what it is. Non disclosure could be gross misconduct. The agreement negates any legal position if you have signed it.
Edited to add. I am not advising you on what course of action you take, purely pointing out the likely contractual obligations you may make in joining your new employer.
This normally in place with a similar clause on items not disclosed at take on, that may effect etc etc.
It's a very difficult call but remember if you sign an agreement , that's what it is. Non disclosure could be gross misconduct. The agreement negates any legal position if you have signed it.
Edited to add. I am not advising you on what course of action you take, purely pointing out the likely contractual obligations you may make in joining your new employer.
Edited by cliffords on Tuesday 22 April 13:02
See here: https://howarths-uk.com/2021/02/23/what-if-an-empl...
Also a contract cannot override the law.
vaud said:
See here: https://howarths-uk.com/2021/02/23/what-if-an-empl...
Also a contract cannot override the law.
This is actually a very good article. More informative than my reply. The OP should consider. Also a contract cannot override the law.
In terms of the contract overriding the law, it's a moot point in employment framework. In effect you agree to what the contract says. Working time directive is a great example of this where you agree to do the hours needed to carry out your duties. You don't actually agree to ignore the working time directive. Albeit it has now become a legally recognised position. There are quite a few other examples, especially in financial services where I gained my knowledge. I won't hog the post. OP I urge you to read this article provided by Vaud.
Edited by cliffords on Tuesday 22 April 13:25
dundarach said:
TownIdiot said:
I wouldn't tell them at all.
Nor would I. Anything could happen to any of us at any time, my dad dropped dead at 49, I'm certain he didn't expect or tell the coppers he was about to go!!
Unless you have to legally don't!
popeyewhite said:
dundarach said:
TownIdiot said:
I wouldn't tell them at all.
Nor would I. Anything could happen to any of us at any time, my dad dropped dead at 49, I'm certain he didn't expect or tell the coppers he was about to go!!
Unless you have to legally don't!
TownIdiot said:
popeyewhite said:
dundarach said:
TownIdiot said:
I wouldn't tell them at all.
Nor would I. Anything could happen to any of us at any time, my dad dropped dead at 49, I'm certain he didn't expect or tell the coppers he was about to go!!
Unless you have to legally don't!
There will be a medical questionnaire. It will say failure to disclose a medical condition that may effect your ability to do your job may result in disciplinary action. It has nothing to do with the law. You are not forced to take the job and agree to the conditions. Thats how employment contracts operate.
cliffords said:
There will be a medical questionnaire. It will say failure to disclose a medical condition that may effect your ability to do your job may result in disciplinary action. It has nothing to do with the law. You are not forced to take the job and agree to the conditions. Thats how employment contracts operate.
If there is a medical questionnaire...cliffords said:
I promise I will stop now but it's important not to listen to opinion and to stick with the facts.
There will be a medical questionnaire. It will say failure to disclose a medical condition that may effect your ability to do your job may result in disciplinary action. It has nothing to do with the law. You are not forced to take the job and agree to the conditions. Thats how employment contracts operate.
Not disclosing is materially different to lying There will be a medical questionnaire. It will say failure to disclose a medical condition that may effect your ability to do your job may result in disciplinary action. It has nothing to do with the law. You are not forced to take the job and agree to the conditions. Thats how employment contracts operate.
TownIdiot said:
cliffords said:
I promise I will stop now but it's important not to listen to opinion and to stick with the facts.
There will be a medical questionnaire. It will say failure to disclose a medical condition that may effect your ability to do your job may result in disciplinary action. It has nothing to do with the law. You are not forced to take the job and agree to the conditions. Thats how employment contracts operate.
Not disclosing is materially different to lying There will be a medical questionnaire. It will say failure to disclose a medical condition that may effect your ability to do your job may result in disciplinary action. It has nothing to do with the law. You are not forced to take the job and agree to the conditions. Thats how employment contracts operate.
wingnut1980 said:
Hi,
I am being made redundant and the stars have aligned with an incredible new job opportunity presenting itself at the same time.
I also have young onset Parkinson’s. It’s fairly well controlled with meds currently and doesn’t really affect my work. However I’m under no illusion that that may change over time.
I was planning to tell my new employer once the contract is signed. Is this the best strategy? Should I say sooner? I don’t want them to be blindsided but also don’t want to jeopardise any chances of getting the job.
Thanks
First of all, best of luck with your health.I am being made redundant and the stars have aligned with an incredible new job opportunity presenting itself at the same time.
I also have young onset Parkinson’s. It’s fairly well controlled with meds currently and doesn’t really affect my work. However I’m under no illusion that that may change over time.
I was planning to tell my new employer once the contract is signed. Is this the best strategy? Should I say sooner? I don’t want them to be blindsided but also don’t want to jeopardise any chances of getting the job.
Thanks
Now, to the "tell them or not?"
Unless directly asked to fill in a medical questionnaire (or similar, for health professionals), they absolutely should not be told unless it is actually affecting your work.
If/when it does, it's a reasonable topic for discussion. In the event that does happen, then you're employer is required to make "reasonable accommodations" to allow you to fulfill your role.
If reasonable accommodations cannot be made, then it potentially becomes a "redundancy on health grounds" if you cannot meet your roles responsibilities.
Should your condition get to that stage, you fall under disability protections in law.
https://www.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments-for-disa...
A medium/large firm should have no issues dealing with something like this. Smaller ones may struggle.
Any follow up questions, just ask (EHS bod for 30+ years, inc UK)
M.
Edited by Mortarboard on Tuesday 22 April 16:14
TownIdiot said:
popeyewhite said:
It's deception, and the result would be the same.
I disagree.Answer any questions honestly then it's up to the employer.
popeyewhite said:
TownIdiot said:
popeyewhite said:
It's deception, and the result would be the same.
I disagree.Answer any questions honestly then it's up to the employer.
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