Disclosing illness to new employer

Leannenurse1
Leannenurse1 Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
edited March 2024 in Work
Hi there,
just wanted to get some advice. I took ill health retirement from my full time employment in August 23. I am now in a position to work a couple of hours per week on a flexible as and when basis, in a different much less pressured environment. My question is, do I have to tell my new employer why I took ill health retirement? I’d prefer not to. My past employer will write me a reference, but obviously has to state I left due to health reasons, surely though my past employer cannot state my diagnosis without my consent? Thank you. 

Comments

  • EDW
    EDW Community Member Posts: 12 Listener
    Hi Leanne. I left my last job 4 years ago as a residential care home worker due to anxiety. I haven't worked since with new mental health diagnoses but am looking to volunteer. You don't have to explain to your new employer what your diagnosis is and your employer cannot divulge it in a reference either due to GDPR rules. If your new employer is aware you retired on health grounds you can simply explain to them that your health has improved since you retired and you feel not only do you want to reenter work at this stage but also provide the company with your skills and experience whether there transferable skills from previous employment or not. You'll be fine x

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