New Job Worries

[CatSabbath]

I'm about to start a new job. They use a contractor to do a health assessment before we start. It's a phone interview the day before I start. My injury happened 8 months ago.

I did mention my head injury in the starter paperwork but I did not mention it before the interview and I'm worried that I maybe played down the impact a little bit.

I know I can do this job but I'm so anxious that it's making my symptoms worse! I'm getting dizzy a lot more often.

I have a CT scan a few days before my start date too, it feels like everything is happening at once! Does anyone have any tips for how to navigate all of this? Can they rescind the job offer?

Are there any guides for navigating new employment with a head injury?

[Marnie22]

There are two helplines that could advise you on different aspects of this.

The Headway helpline on 0808 800 2244 is great on all aspects of brain injury.

The Scope helpline on 0808 800 3333 is great for things to do with your rights, employment etc.

Very best wishes. I hope things go smoothly for you. 🌼

[Leaf100]

Good luck, Cat Sabbath. I know 2 people with bi's with significant symptoms, both are managers. They get others do do stuff they can not. One has not told his employers and they just accept his quirks - everyone has them- and the other owns the business so no worries there.

One other person I met also had a job in a store and said she was ok doing stock and helping customers as long as she did not have to handle the cash register.

So, it is possible.

You will be more tired etc. You will have a better idea of what you can and cannot do.

I like Marnie's idea of doing your research with the experts.

By now you may have started?

Do tell us how it goes.

Leaf

[Pairofboots]

Hi Cat. Marnie has given the helplines I would have suggested. As far as employment legislation, you declared that you have a brain injury on your initial application. That is as much as you would be required to do. At the interview, they could not raise this with you. Under equal opportunity, they could only raise your brain injury if they would have asked all prospective candidates. So don't worry. The interviewers would not necessarily been made aware of any health issues, as this is only used at shortlisting. If you were successful at interview, then this was because you were the best person for the job, so pat yourself on the back.

Legally as far as the Occupational Health, this should not effect the job offer. This should cover if there are any reasonable adjustments required for you i.e. if you need more eye breaks if using a screen, if you need a particular type of chair, or a particular gadget to perform the role as an equal to someone without your injury.

It would be unlikely to be used to screen you out, as this would constitute discrimination. They would have to justify on legal grounds why reasonable adjustments could not be made, such as working with heavy machinery that would be a danger to you or others, e.g. steam roller, trapeze artist. I guess these were not part of the job?

Good luck, and let us know how the job goes 🍀

[tunas]

It is very possible! Managing how you spend your time at work is important, take breaks often, fatigue is a factor.

Well done, keep going!