Disability Discrimination Act - UK

[Spittal9]

Is PMR covered by the DDA? I'm about to apply for a job. I was made redundant a few months ago but I haven't worked for four months due to PMR. Am I ready to go back to work? Probably not at this stage but need to try at some point. I know I need to tell them I've been not well as I now have a gap in my employment history. In my last application I said I had been ill but was now ready to go back to work. I've got an interview for that next month.

This latest application states they have a Guaranteed Job Interview Scheme for people with a disability and who meet the minimum requirements, which I certainly do. Hence the question re DDA. Is this a road I want to go down, I wonder?

[jinasc]

The DDA was replaced with the Equality Act 2010 in England, Scotland and Wales. It now only applies to Northern Ireland.

So you might need to read the Equality Act 2010.

legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/20...

Changes to legislation:

The above link takes you to the Government site which also includes this statement.

"Equality Act 2010 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 21 October 2019. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date."

As the 21 Oct is today, it is up to date.

[Spittal9 in reply to jinasc]

Thanks for this. I forgot about that.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

We have said in the past it is covered by Disability legislation. Any get-out would be based on the claim that PMR is well managed with pred - which we all know still doesn't mean you are back to normal so work is still going to be harder!

[Spittal9 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks. I'm sure right now I would still find work difficult. But I know any job I get will still be months down the line as it takes months for police checks, etc. So it's possible it'll be next year before I would start.

[SheffieldJane]

The DDA is now encompassed in the Equalities Act 2010.It covers any condition that lasts for 12 months or more and substantially affects day to day living . In my opinion ( ex HR) PMR and GCA meet the criteria. Declaring a disability at work means that your employer is legally bound to make reasonable adjustments to the work, to accommodate a person with a disability.

[Spittal9]

Thanks for this. I think we can safely say the PMR will last 12 months or more. I know I have to give a reason why I've not been working recently as I now have a gap but the cynical side to me says that it may influence whether I get an interview or not.

[jinasc]

I notice you were diagnosed in June this year. 12 months or more is extremely optimistic, the best that can be hoped for is 2 years.

AS you live in Clydebank, have you thought about joining PMR GCA Scotland or have you already made contact. If not I would urge you to do so and go to the support group meetings. Scotland was the first registered charity in the UK. They do excellent work.

[Spittal9 in reply to jinasc]

I have now accepted that I am in for a long haul but financially at this point I need to at least try to get back to work. I'm looking at jobs that are less stressful so that will help. I joined PMR GCA UK, as I came across that first. Through them found out about the Glasgow support group and went along to it in September. Next one is in November. Found it very beneficial. Still to join PMR GCA Scotland.

[Hellyowl]

Hi,

I have just completed a very long and detailed health form for a new job I am starting next week. I decided that my PMR/GCA does not make me disabled. Although I get stiffness and pain and tiredness, I have friends my age (67) with no illnesses who are no where near as fit as me and gave up work years ago. I have decided that any rough days are no more or less what anyone of my age will suffer if they still work. I declared the GCA/PMR but said that is is well managed and unlikely to prevent me going about my duties. My job is as a researcher so will involve a lot of travel, but is only 3 days a week. I think I prefer not be considered disabled, I did have a gap but that was a failed attempt to start up a self employed business which I was honest about. The very fact I am going back to work gives me a buzz.