Is it a legal requirement to declare disabilities on job applications?

SheffieldMan1976
SheffieldMan1976 Posts: 2,353 Connected
in Work

I do every time and keep getting rejected despite the alleged illegality of direct discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.

Would there be a way around this?

Comments

  • Mary_Scope
    Mary_Scope Posts: 4,888 Scope Online Community Children and Family Specialists

    Hi @SheffieldMan1976

    No it's not a legal requirement, you can choose whether or not you want to tell them about your disability😊

  • SheffieldMan1976
    SheffieldMan1976 Posts: 2,353 Connected
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1117902#Comment_1117902

    Thanks, but in the unlikely event I got to an interview, they'd see I wear 2 hearing aids, which is classed as a disability, and they'd probably also be able to tell I'm mildly Autistic which is also classed as a disability, from past experience that would probably get their backs up and they'd be against employing me.

  • SwiftFox
    SwiftFox Community Member Posts: 1,202 Championing
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1117906#Comment_1117906

    Just be happy as you are and don't apply anymore if it pains you.

  • ColonelBlink
    ColonelBlink Community Member Posts: 955 Pioneering
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1117921#Comment_1117921

    Too right, I gave it up as a lost cause some time ago. No point making yourself miserable for matters outwith your control.

  • PracticeWotUPreach
    PracticeWotUPreach Community Member Posts: 116 Empowering
    edited April 14

    @SheffieldMan1976

    I understand the frustration — it can feel like you’re damned if you disclose your disability and damned if you don’t. There isn’t an easy answer, but you shouldn’t feel pressured to hide it either. The right employer should support you, not penalise you for being open. I agree with SwiftFox & SoapySoutar — if it’s too draining for you to keep applying for jobs, then taking a break might help, but only you can make that decision. Wishing you the best of luck.

  • WhatThe
    WhatThe Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 5,896 Championing
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1117906#Comment_1117906

    Sheffie, you are completely autistic! 100% autistic! 🤩

  • WhatThe
    WhatThe Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 5,896 Championing

    Ever considered training to be a chef? 👨‍🍳 Chef from Sheffield?

  • Santosha12
    Santosha12 Community Member Posts: 4,466 Championing
    edited May 20
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1117906#Comment_1117906

    Hi @SheffieldMan1976, I would not put on the application about any disability (unless you need adjustments for the interview stage).

    If you get an interview just be yourself, if they're supportive and they are the right company for you, then having hearing aids and mild autism will not necessarily stop you getting a job offer. All of us get knock-backs from job applications, and following interviews too, it goes with the territory and it's important to be able to bounce back from that too and not take it to heart.

    I hope that if it's something you really want to do that you go forward with as much confidence as you can. Good luck with your applications too.

    PS I'm sorry you couldn't get to your meeting today that must have been very frustrating and disappointing. Take care.

  • Community_Scope
    Community_Scope Posts: 2,327 Online Community Team

    Where possible we like all discussions to continue, but we’re choosing to pause this discussion for now so things can cool down and we can review it. For more information, please read our online community house rules.

    We will review it and if we are satisfied the discussion can continue, we will hope to un-pause it.

  • Community_Scope
    Community_Scope Posts: 2,327 Online Community Team
    edited April 14

    Just a quick note on language here, terms like “mild autism” can mean different things to different people. Some use it informally, but others feel it can minimise their experiences or come across as outdated.

    Some organisations are also moving away from this kind of terminology.

    For example, Psychiatry UK explains why labels like this can be unhelpful:
    “You cannot be a ‘little bit’ autistic. Autistic people may find it harder to be believed or supported by those around them if they are associated with a higher level of functioning, and their needs can be overlooked, meaning that they can feel invalidated, let down and excluded.”

    We hope that helps explain why people may feel differently about different terms. To keep things respectful for everyone, it’s generally best to avoid ‘rank’-based labels where possible and instead describe individual experiences or support needs.

    No one’s in trouble, we’re just trying to keep the community more comfortable for everyone🙂

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