3 replies to this topic

[Lucydog]

Im looking to get back into the job market after christmas and have worked in local govt for a long time. So Im looking to go back into that sector.

Anyway Im scouting round a bit just having a look as you do and Ive noticed that quite a few councils now include a long questionaire about your health with the application. At the end they ask if they can contact your GP, and to be honest I feel like saying No. Firstly my general health is usually pretty good and secondly I always declare that I have a disability. I would prefer them to talk to me first then if they want to give me the job, and feel they need a medical report ask me then. As I havent seen my GP for such a long time, they are probably not the best person to ask anyway.
Maybe Im just being touchy and huffy but I dont feel its their business at an early stage of job application, after all its all fairly obvious!! But I could have a hidden disability and not disclose it, then who would know?

Anyway just a bit of a grumble as Im a fairly personal sort of person and if Im talking about myself I like to know the person who has the info thats all, not someone in human resourses Ive never met.

Cheers
L

[stellaris2]

Annoying and intrusive as it is, I think this will be the case for most jobs you apply for. It will be to do with equal opportunities and health and safety ( local government and civil service are particularly keen on safe working environments, and meeting needs.) Not entirely altruistic, however, as it will also be used in trying to decide whether or not you will be a liability (sick pay etc.) Ask your GP to notify you if approached, and you will then have an opportunity to discuss things beforehand. And I think I'm right in saying you are entitled to a copy of the report. Good luck with the job hunting!

[nomis]

I understand your discomfort lucydog. I'd feel the same. My doctor doesn't know enough to know that sort of thing about me. He could say anything.

Is it possible / practical / pertinent to contact your doctor and 'educate' him/her (briefly) on what to say?

[jules]

Hi Lucydog

I was always worried about this too, I work in the NHS so the set up is pretty much the same as it would be for local government. Recently I was promoted and I now do some of the interviews for new applicants, I was very pleased to see that the health questionnaires etc don't go through to the people interviewing, or to HR they go straight to Occupational Health. By the time we saw the application forms you can't even see a Date of Birth. As far a occupational health goes as long as you are fit to do the job they don't have a problem, when I started they were really helpful with Access to work etc.

Hope this helps

Jules
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