I have been offered a job, which I have accepted. As part of the application, there is a medical questionnaire, asking about condition's I may have, I have answered, truthfully, that I have none that were listed. I have had to put my doctor's name, address and phone number. Can they ask the Dr about anything that was not on the list? Will he give them information?
I had to sign this form.
Many thanks.
Hi Green-Eyes,
Congratulations on the new job and I understand your natural concerns. They've offered you the job now so to withdraw it would leave them open to legal action under The 2010 Equality Act which helps to protect job applicants against discrimination, by disallowing questions about a candidate's health or sickness record before offering a job.
You've answered their questions honestly from what you've described without reference to your CLL. Truth is, many people would never be offered positions if employers knew their medical situation even if they were the very best candidate for the job. Discrimination is rife and very covert although some employers are excellent.
There are a few exceptions where you're required to disclose but they tend to be obvious things i.e. an air traffic controller who was blind etc. The company would have to be able to demonstrate that the job couldn't be carried out by a person who is eligible to be registered as disabled. That's a minefield for them legally.
You'll need to disclose your condition if you require 'reasonable adjustments' to be made (which you're legally entitled to have).
Issue is, have you signed to allow your GP to disclose the full extent of your medical situation? Your GP cannot do so without your written consent but may disclose fully if you have. It would probably then be necessary to discuss the matter fully and explain that the CLL will not impact on your ability to perform the role. This link explains;
nhs.uk/chq/Pages/2313.aspx?...
I think they would put themselves in a very precarious legal position now should they subsequently withdraw the job offer.
Good luck!
Newdawn
Hello Newdawn,
I have not returned the (online) form yet. It seems to be a declaration, rather than a permission to contact the Dr.
I may go and see my Dr.
Thank you for the fantastic (as always!) advice.
You're very welcome Green-Eyes.
Hope it all works out well for you! 
Newdawn
The list may not specifically say CLL but might included, cancer, leukemia or lymphoma... then you should probably reply in the affirmative...
It did not include any cancer's. It did say. Or any condition that may stop you from doing the job. I have answered their questions' honestly!
Hate this kind of dilemma. My G.P's advice regarding another matter was 'answer everything truthfully but don't give any information that you're not asked for'. Peggy.
I would definitely ask your doctor what he can and can't disclose.
As Newdawn says if you have been offered the job in writing and it is not dependent upon the form being scrutinised ie checked then an employer would get in hot water if they withdrew the offer simply because you have cll.
It's not a very nice way to start a new job though both from your point of view and the employers. Very difficult situation for both sides. Whilst you have been honest in answering their questions it does appear that from your question that you feel you have been guilty of an omission? And the catch all question you mentioned "any other condition?" Could well be argued from their point of view as being answered incorrectly.
However, at the moment it appears ,like many of us, in the early stages of this condition with no symptoms etc there is nothing that could affect the way you do the job. Of course watch and wait could last for years and you could go on and do the job without any problems for a very long time. As has been stated numerous times on here the problem is the uncertainty for us and the lack of understanding of the condition by others.
I have faced similar situations in the past and have not declared cll with no problems.
It is a dilemma many have faced in the past.
Enjoy your new job get on with your life cross the cll bridge with your employer when you have to not before is my view.
Geoff
Congratulations on new job!
Do see your doc about what they would say, but surely they cannot say much - we have a firm principle of patient/doctor confidentiality! So surely your doc cannot reveal any new info.
There have been a few discussion on this and as always Newdawn talks sense. I did declare CLL after offer on the form (for HR) - they are also bound by confidentiality.
So, do see your doc, but you should not worry. Hope the new job is fun!
Thank you all, for the great advice. I feel some what 'dishonest' but I will give the job 100%, as I always have. We have to make a life for ourselves, and so, I'll just have to feel guilty for a while.
Hi Green eyes its a difficult one,I have had CLL for 10 years but was only diagnosed at Christmas 2015 by a doctor at the surgery after a routine blood test for a few infections I had over 3/4 months,in that 10 years I had been donating blood because until then I hadn't been told my blood had been tested all those years by my old doctor who had left the surgery he chose not to tell me,in hind sight he saved me a lot of worries over those years although I was angry at the time,my Cll is indolent and not changed a lot over those years so I am lucky so far,my point is I had been untruthfull in all the forms I had filled in also in my job as a Pharmacy Thechnician,so there are lots of us walking around with CLL and don't know,enjoy your job and I wish you a long watch and wait,[Maggie,sun-flower
Dear Maggie,
Thank you! That's very kind of you to say that.
Congratulations on the new job. Newdawn and others have provided sound advice about disclosure. "Do not answer unasked questions" is a good approach.
From a contractual point of view you must be able to meet the demands of the job and be qualified to do so; if not you will be unable to deliver your side of the employment contract. Assuming that you are capable, with a medical condition that does not currently compromise your capability, it would be unlawful to discriminate against you or demand that you disclose more than other employees.
Wishing you every success.
Michael
Michael,
Thank you!
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