Should I advise a potential employer about my illness?

PonyLuv

I've gotten through to the second round of interviews with a company who I'd really love to work for.

I was previously out sick last year for about five months with an illness called IIH. It's a one in a million illness which most people are unfamiliar with, basically my brain overproduces fluid and I needed to have 3 brain surgeries to sort it out with a shunt which disposes the fluid into my stomach.

I went back to work in January and have been feeling very well since. I need to see my doctors every few months to keep an eye on things but thats all. Going forward, it's possible that I can just live life as normal and will never need another surgery.

I havent been asked to do a medical and I don't know if it's the norm to ask about these things in the second round. Should I tell the new company about this illness if it doesnt come up?

Basically, what should I do?

TL:DR I needed 3 brainsurgeries last year but went back to work in January and am fine since. Now I have an interview with a new company - do I need to tell them?

colm_mcm

If you’re with an employer at the moment that supports you, and are looking at another new employer where you don’t know how they would take it then I would be inclined to disclose it, especially as it’s a condition where you are well aware that you might need time off work in the coming year. If it’s a problem for them, then maybe they wouldn’t be the best employer for you?

Obviously out a positive spin on it and emphasize that things are going well for you now. That’s what I’d do anyway, maybe the right answer is different!

OMM 0000

You don't need to tell them.

uck51js9zml2yt

OMM 0000 wrote: »

You don't need to tell them.

But don't be surprised if they terminate your contract during probation due to not being available for work.

.......

This post has been deleted.

TheShow

you dont need to tell them. you're just at interview stage.
If you secure the role, they will send you out contract and usual pack, you may have to declare any illnesses at this stage, or you may not.

If not, its up to yourself whether you wish to divulge or not.

Captain Flaps

Do you get medical cover in your current place of employment, and did it cover the surgeries etc? If you're on a company plan and not a personal one you may not be covered by the new place.

Mrs OBumble

Diego Screeching Roadwork wrote: »

But don't be surprised if they terminate your contract during probation due to not being available for work.

Reading the OP there is is nothing to indicate that they will be unavailable for work. They've had all the surgery they may ever need to have.


OP the correct answer is "only if they ask, and then only if your doctor says it will affect your ability to work".

That said if they ask about how much sick leave you took lasy year, you may want to explain.

cleanslate

You don't need to say anything, you may never need time off except for medical appointments and you can take half days for these. It may harm your chances of getting the position and you say you would love to work for them. They don't need to know. Best of luck and I hope that you will never need another surgery.

TG1

Most places will have a declaration as part of their contract, so of you get offered just pop it on that. It's confidential information that will only be seen by HR, but if in the future you need any treatment and you trigger and absence management process, you might find that HR ate a bit more understanding if you declared it from day 1.