Should I tick the disability box for a job application which offers a guaranteed interview for those with a disability?

[Myfanwy21]

Hello everyone, hope you're all coping with this cold weather! I need some help regarding a job application. I graduated from university last October and had to take some time out to focus on my health, but have been trying to find a graduate job since December with no luck.

I'm applying for a role which is pretty specific to my degree and will help open a lot of doors to get me to where I want to be, but I'm not sure what to do about the disability section of the application. The company offers a "two tick interview scheme" whereby if you have a disability and also meet the minimum requirements for the job, they guarantee you an interview. But I'm just not sure what to do. I understand endometriosis is not officially listed as a disability under the Equality Act by itself, but obviously if it had a severe and long term impact then it is a disability.

My pain levels are at least mild-moderate every day, and are extreme during my period (6-weekly due to the pill). I also experience fatigue very easily, as well as the usual toilet troubles most days.

So I'm basically just looking for some advice. Endo is an invisible illness, which (wrongly) makes me feel a bit of a fraud to say I'm disabled when there are many other people with far more severe disabilities. Any advice or help is very welcome please.

X

[Starry]

I can relate to this kind of dilemma as I'm going through similar kinds of thoughts with work.

The question is usually worded "do you consider yourself to have..."

The law gives pretty good guidance on the generic properties of a disability and fluctuations are included.

I suppose it comes down to whether you are happy to disclose the condition., and whether you need to request any reasonable adjustments upfront eg special chairs, monthly time off or adjusted hours for pain etc.

If it were me I would worry about any initial first interview advantage being outweighed in round 2 by prejudice.

[Fabbird]

Hi, I’ve wondered about this too. I’ve not ticked, but I’ve certainly considered doing so. Personally I think it may be helpful if you are looking for interview practice, but I’m not sure it really offers any other advantage. They will/should give the job to the best person regardless.

[Myfanwy21]

Thank you both for replying, I really appreciate any opinions. I'm still very unsure what to do, I know that during my period I will not be able to be in work (if by one heck of a chance I get the job!) as I could never attend uni or summer/part-time work during this time. So that makes me think I should possibly tick the box. I don't know whether it might be an advantage for me to disclose the condition in general.. The people I have been emailing about the role seem quite keen for me to apply (I've told them about my degree which is super suited to the role), as in three people have given me their mobile numbers for me to call to discuss the role.. So I'm thinking, is it worth going ticking the box, is there any point, or should I do it anyway so that if I get the job I can have a day or two off every 6 weeks while I'm in severe pain. Still so unsure, wish somebody would just make the decision for me!

Hope you're both okay tonight x

[Mermaidwarrior in reply to Myfanwy21]

I’m glad they are keen, that’s really positive! I wish you all the luck and I really hope you get it which ever you decide!

[Mermaidwarrior]

Hey!

It’s not considered a disability so I wouldn’t put it down despite the equality act, and it’s actually against the law to be asked about these things during the interview, unless it meant you were not fit enough to do the job but that’s for you to decide.

If you are fit enough to do the job and you got it, most places will have you fill out a medical history and emergency contact form which you can add it on there. That way you have notified them and it can not be used against you.

I would hate to think something like that would ruin your chances, as much as people say they are being fair and considerate, I don’t trust it.

Good luck!

[Heloo85 in reply to Mermaidwarrior]

Where did you hear its not a disability? My PIP award proves otherwise. Endo isnt always a disability as it effects people differently, like all chronic diseases, but for some people it is very much a disability. If a disease effects your daily life, your social life, your work life and your relationships, it very much IS a disability!

[Mermaidwarrior in reply to Heloo85]

This is news to me! And maybe I’ve been wrongly informed? Can you claim disability with endometriosis. I am fully aware of how it ruins people’s lives to different to degrees.

[Heloo85 in reply to Mermaidwarrior]

Hiv, cancer and one more disease are the only automatic awards for disability. Every other chronic disease is not listed because it can vary so massively between people. Some people can be left disabled and others not even know they have anything wrong. The meaning of disabled is a disease/illness that has a substantial effect on someones everyday life. If theres a chance you might have to take time off work, then you should tick youre disabled. As for PIP, i have no idea to what effect endo effects you. All i can suggest is you never know unless you try. PIP is awarded to people with Endo, i am one. Research online. Its not your diagnosis, its how your diagnosis effects you. You could also get help from CAB to fill the forms in. Wording is very important. Id say try and best of luck xx

[Mermaidwarrior in reply to Heloo85]

In terms of job employment, despite how they assure of equal rights and opportunities. Unless it is something that has an automatic reward it is something to be careful with when trying to get a job. It’s sad and unfair but that is how it works. I have seen applications thrown away for honesty even if they are more than capable. So unless it is certified and in writing I would write it in medical conditions not disability.

[Heloo85 in reply to Mermaidwarrior]

Definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010. You're disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a 'substantial' and 'long-term' negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities. The Equality Act 2010 doesn't apply to Northern Ireland.

Whether a person is disabled for the purposes of the Act is generally

determined by reference to the effect that an impairment has on that

person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. An exception

to this is a person with severe disfigurement (see paragraph B24). It

is not possible to provide an exhaustive list of conditions that qualify

as impairments for the purposes of the Act. Any attempt to do so

would inevitably become out of date as medical knowledge advanced.

Its guidlines are exactly the same as that are PIP. Its better to ask your GP of their opinion because if you tick no, then you find yourself needing time off for illness, seeing medical professionals ect then you will be sacked and it would be your own fault for admitting you wasnt disabled. Also, you would have to do everything asked of you. I dont do any heavy lifting because not only am i disabled for benefit purpose, i am for work! Xx

[Heloo85 in reply to Mermaidwarrior]

citizensadvice.org.uk/law-a...

Chronic diseases are covered 😉. Even ones that come in flares! Believe me. If you are really effected by your Endo. Tick the disabled box. Best of luck xx

[Mermaidwarrior in reply to Heloo85]

Thank you! I will keep this in mind if needed in the future.

[cherry78]

I can only tell you my experience which might not be the right way of going about it. I have severe endometriosis, had four laps and I am about to have a hysterectomy.I have been taking bio-identical progesterone pills which have allowed me to go to work even though I have been in a lot of pain- since taking them my periods have been less heavy and painful than before. So I am hoping these will allow me to work full time up until I have my hyst later this year. I applied for my current role a year ago and did not tick the box to say I was disabled. I got offered the job and before I started work I filled in a medical form mentioning my endometriosis and fibromyalgia which I also have. HR were aware of it but my boss wasn't. I spent two months proving how good I could be at the job but it got too much trying to hide how ill I was. I told my boss and gave her information leaflets about endo and fibro so she could understand. She has been nothing but supportive and I have kept the job without having to tick the disabled box. I do think showing what I could do helped the situation but I am also lucky to have such a supportive boss. Good luck with your job application, keep positive no matter what you decide.

[Hazeybabes]

My occ health says it’s covered by the equality act. As it’s not what you have it’s how it affects you x lots of companies have committed to giving more people with disabilities a chance x it’s better to tell them and get the support you may need x

[Myfanwy21]

Thank you all for your views! I think I've decided against ticking the box, but will disclose the condition if I am asked to fill in a medical.. fingers crossed! Really appreciate all your help, I don't have anybody to talk to about anything like this so you have all been great x

[Myfanwy21]

Hello ladies, just thought I'd let you know I've been invited to interview for the job without ticking the box, so there is some hope at last! Thank you for all your help, and if any of you are willing or able, I have just made another post about a monumental mistake made by the hospital in my diagnostic lap last year which I could really do with some advice about. Any help would be appreciated, thank you x

[Lulububs]

U know what i would prob not! It may get u that interview as it guarantees u a interview if they consider u disabled which i doubt it is classed as aless u have a goverment badge or claim disability of some sort.

Also it may get u that first interview but when it comes to giving u the job they may think “ hmmm we dont want her she classes it as a disability she b off every month”!!

So i would keep it all to myself! I have been in my job 10 years and they know nothing about my problems, ive had to tell them when i had a laparoscopy and things but i have never told them why. I do not wana b judged on my illness