Is it a legal requirement to declare disabilities on job applications?
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
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You don’t have to declare a disability on an application. Under the Equality Act 2010, employers generally shouldn’t ask about health or disability before a job offer, except where interview adjustments are needed.
Some people choose to wait until they have a conditional offer before mentioning anything, as the employer has already assessed their skills by that stage. If an offer were withdrawn because of a disclosure, that could fall under the Equality Act.
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Hi @SheffieldMan1976
No it's not a legal requirement, you can choose whether or not you want to tell them about your disability😊2 -
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.
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Just be happy as you are and don't apply anymore if it pains you.
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Too right, I gave it up as a lost cause some time ago. No point making yourself miserable for matters outwith your control.
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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.
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Sheffie, you are completely autistic! 100% autistic! 🤩
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Ever considered training to be a chef? 👨🍳 Chef from Sheffield?
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The more I unmask, the more I think it's obvious to people that I am autistic, but really it probably always was. People say it's a hidden disability but I don't think it is really.
I fully embrace being 100% authentically autistic now (and my other disabilities) and it has made such a difference to my life.
Not seeing it as a negative for myself, I feel helps others not see it as a negative.
It's awful and unfair that some of these employers don't see it that way, but that means they're not the right employer for you anyway. You wouldn't want to be stuck working for someone like that, so try and see it as a good thing. You're getting to see the real them.
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Hi @SheffieldMan1976, I would not put on the application about any disability (unless you need adjustments for the interview stage).
I completely agree with @MW123. 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.
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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.
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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🙂1
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