Medical History - Job

LegacyUser

I have a big problem and i'm scared it will ruin my chances of getting the job I really want. I applied for a job a few weeks ago and was really looking forward to starting and was thinking this job may do me for the rest of my life.

The problem is I have to go through a very comprehensive medical examination and check. I have a history of depression and anxiety I am on anti-depressants for the last year or so and now i'm upset because the employer will/has request a check on my medical history and depression/anxiety is likely to disqualify me from being succesful.

Is there anything I can do in this situation?

K4t

Pretty sure they can't do a check on your medical history due to doctor patient confidentiality, patient privacy etc.

Obviously they can ask for a detailed medical history but you don't have to divulge any information you don't want to. That may involve lying to your employer however which includes risk e.g. they might find out, you might not be insured in the case of an accident/incident etc. They're the worst case scenarios though and are unlikely to happen. What's most likely is that you would go to work every day and do your job, presumably having been hired on merit and due to your ability, skills, experience!

I wouldn't worry about it tbh, don't let these trivial things cause you worry, there are plenty of jobs out there anyway whatever you decide to do.

Stheno

K4t wrote: »

Pretty sure they can't do a check on your medical history due to doctor patient confidentiality, patient privacy etc.

Obviously they can ask for a detailed medical history but you don't have to divulge any information you don't want to. That may involve lying to your employer however which includes risk e.g. they might find out, you might not be insured in the case of an accident/incident etc. They're the worst case scenarios though and are unlikely to happen. What's most likely is that you would go to work every day and do your job, presumably having been hired on merit and due to your ability, skills, experience!

I wouldn't worry about it tbh, don't let these trivial things cause you worry, there are plenty of jobs out there anyway whatever you decide to do.

I've had plenty of medicals that ask when you were last treated by a doctor, had operations/attended hospital tbh.

Lying about it would be a cause for instant dismissal, employers have a duty of care to employees, and not knowing something such as depression which may lead to an employee suffering stress/a breakdown as a result of a job would be very bad for an employer.

However OP suffering from depression is not unusual, as long as you are honest about it you should be fine.

Rubberchikken

it's difficult to be honest about mental health in this country as some people still treat those with it as lepers, but for your own sake and your furture job's sake, i'd advise honesty.
you have nothing to be ashamed about. it's an issue you are dealing with. being honest is all you can be and just see how things go.

very best of luck

baby and crumble

Very often the medical history is an online self-administered survey done through an external HR company. At least it should be. OP I declared my mental health status (accessed counselling, medication, time off from studies) and nothing was said as I had it under control and was accessing supports. I really wouldn't worry. They're not out to get you, a lot of companies (particularly big ones) just have to ensure there's no major issues down the road.

animaal

Just to add - if an employer provides benefits like "death in service", they may have to provide information on their workforce, in order that the insurance company can set the cost of the company's premium. They'll need to know the general age/health profile of the workforce, but they won't be concerned with who in particular may have a health issue.