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Depression prevent me from getting job??

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  • 06-01-2011 11:24pm
    #1
    LegacyUser
    Registered Users Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭


    Hi all,

    I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this problem but here goes.

    I recently accepted a job offer for a job I really want. Needless to say, I'm thrilled at the prospect of starting in this job.

    However, I have had to undergo a health assessment before I start. I have a long term history of depression and am currently on medication for this. I informed them of this during my health assessment. I am still waiting to hear if I got health clearance to start the job.

    My question is, can they retract the job offer on the basis of my illness? Does anyone have experience of anything similar?

    thanks for any advice


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    #2
    Eoin
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 21,238 CMod ✭✭✭✭Eoin


    Hi there - I think that depression is actually considered a disability, not an illness. Therefore employers have to be a lot more accommodating.


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    #3
    Mrs OBumble
    Registered Users Posts: 25,709 ✭✭✭✭Mrs OBumble


    Eoin's right, in general.

    But it does depend on the job. Sometimes there can be reasons why robust mental health is a particular requirement - eg if the job-holder has to manage confined spaces or emergency situations.

    I know one lad who was removed from a train-guard's job, because he "forgot" to mention his schizophrenia to them, even though he was on medication and well in control of it.

    Hopefully, though, you've chosen a job that you'll be well able to manage, and it won't be an issue.


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    #4
    Naikon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,564 ✭✭✭Naikon


    DO NOT diclose any mental health issues to employers. Seriously, just don't. Vague references to general health is about the limit. You are looking for less reasons to shortlist you, not more.


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    #5
    Naikon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,564 ✭✭✭Naikon


    nicegirl wrote: »
    On a general note, a prospective employee should disclose any health issues to the prospective employers physician, because what happens if that employee ends up in ill health due to depression in their future life? If the prospective employer does not know of their illness then, they cannot provide that employee with reasonable accommodation should that employee become unwell in future with that illness.

    There is nothing to be afraid of, all the employee has to state is that they suffer with depression, and it is been treated (If they are being treated with anti-depressants). Should that employee be declined a job on those grounds then it is a case of disability discrimination against that employer.

    I still don't think giving information that can be used in their favour is a good. Mental Health is not something that is generally conductive with regard to office politics, so I can understand why people are reluctant to provide details. It's not of importance to employers unless it's for a high security/specialist role. Employers providing providing accomodation for mental health? Ha, I will believe when I see it. You should never tell your boss anything about mental health. May come back to haunt you if the information spreads beyond the domain of the office. Plenty of people in general can't keep their mouth shut. Just because you have not heard others talking about an issue, does not mean they aren't talking about it.


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    #6
    Eoin
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 21,238 CMod ✭✭✭✭Eoin


    Naikon wrote:
    It's not of importance to employers unless it's for a high security/specialist role.

    Sorry, but that's nonsense. Believe it or not, some employers would want to know so they can assist the employee if needs be. It's not giving them anything that can be used in their favour really. It's way easier to get rid of someone who isn't performing if there are no disabilities at play.


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    #7
    Naikon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,564 ✭✭✭Naikon


    Eoin wrote: »
    Sorry, but that's nonsense. Believe it or not, some employers would want to know so they can assist the employee if needs be. It's not giving them anything that can be used in their favour really. It's way easier to get rid of someone who isn't performing if there are no disabilities at play.

    It's also an easier way to deny someone a promotion too. I am not talking nonsense, there is a real stigma associated with Mental Illness that you do not wish to divulge to work parties or even work members in the workplace. Don't mention ANYTHING that is not legally required. I thought this is common sense to most people? I suppose you should also tell them you are a raving alcoholic or even a weekend busker? Fact remains, tell them as little as humanly possible. You don't know where such information may end up despite "privacy obligations" and such nonsense. This craic of giving employers information "to help you" is a bit of a cop out. An employer only acts responsible towards employees because there are obligated by law, not through actual decency/empathy for the most part. If they want to know why you missed a day or whatever, give them a vague med cert at most. Just get on with your duties and keep the head down, OP.


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    #8
    Eoin
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 21,238 CMod ✭✭✭✭Eoin


    Perhaps you've been quite unlucky with who you've worked for, if that's been your experience. I work for an employer who adopt an approach that goes beyond the legal requirements. Obviously it's ultimately self-serving as they want staff in good spirits etc, but that doesn't mean it doesn't also benefit the staff too.

    To deal with facts though - if you are continuously absent from work or just not performing, then you can be let go. An employer has to be much more accommodating for people with disabilities.

    I think I can understand why people might be reluctant to disclose this information (although that might in turn help feed the stigma), but at the same time you can't just give the absolute worst case scenario and assume that all employers/management are as unprofessional as the people you must have had the misfortune to work for.


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    #9
    TwoShedsJackson
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,438 ✭✭✭TwoShedsJackson


    My sister is on an anti-depressant and recently had a medical exam before being offered a job at a large company. The doctor informed her that although they would ask her if she was on any prescription medication, any answer given would be confidential i.e. basically the doctor rings the company after the exam and says 'she passed/failed' and that being on a prescription med is not a reason to fail someone.

    Either way it would not be disclosed to the company so you most likely do not have to worry on that score.

    I do agree with Naikon that you should offer as little information as possible - keep it to 'yes I am on X' and say no more about your condition or anything associated with it.


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