I have recently offered my dream job but anxious about pre-employment health check questionnaire.

[Yosemit]

I have been recently offered my dream job and I accepted that job offer. Recently received a pre employment health questionnaire by optima health. A question where I have to disclose my condition (hep b) and medication (Entecavir). Can I be deemed to be unfit for the job based on my condition and medication? Although, I have been doing the same job from last 10 years? I would like to know the opinion of someone who has been in similar situation and of British Liver trust? Please reply as soon as possible, since I have to fill that form soon.Thanks

[Kristian]

You have already been offered the job and have accepted. The company cannot rescind that offer based on a health condition. That would be illegal in the UK under the Equalities Act. If they did, you could make a claim against them.

Declaring your condition does have its benefits in that your employer will know that you are entitled to various reasonable adjustments should they become necessary and also to ensure your are not treated less favourably than a colleague without your condition.

The only way in which the offer could possibly be rescinded is if the advertised role specifically excludes applicants with hep b. But those must be so few and far between it'll be unlikely to be the case.

Hope that helps

[Yosemit in reply to Kristian]

Hello Kristian,Thanks for information-but is it also in the case of "subject to satisfactory pre screening". Yes, that's right that I got offer and accepted it but there is this condition attached to the offer. The pre screening health test is done by third party and I don't know if they will disclose all my health information to the institution and my manager, which might result in discrimination given the stigma involved around hepititis? Also do they really have authority to present my case, as unfit to work? Sorry about posing more questions.

[Kristian in reply to Yosemit]

No, they can't. You are not unfit to work. That would be discrimination. There is a lovely lady that posts on here and works in HR who name I've just forgot. Hopefully she will respond too.

Unless in your job you are likely to pose a significant health risk to others, then they cannot discriminate against you. You do though need to be honest on the form as not disclosing may cause issues later.

[Yosemit in reply to Kristian]

Thanks Kristian for taking time out.much appreciated.

[CHanse]

I am an HR Manager and absolutely agree with Kristian. You have been offered the role and would definitely be discriminatory if they refunded the offer based on a health condition regardless if the offer letter says it’s conditional on the health screen.

I would also advise to let the company know so they can assess what, if any reasonable adjustments would be needed.

[Yosemit in reply to CHanse]

Thanks CHanse for taking the time out to reply much appreciated.

[Yum-Yum]

Good luck with your new job! Sending positive thoughts your way.