Hi Gemma

This is always a sensitive issue. Is it better to be open and honest and
run the risk of not getting a better job, or do you suffer in silence and
'deceive' a potential new employer?

On the whole, if you can show through a medical report that you are fit to
work, potential employers will not hold your medical condition against you,
but they will be within their rights to ask for a medical report before they
make a decision.

I believe that if you do not disclose the condition and it stops you from
working then they will be entitled to terminate your contract. If you
disclose the condition, and they still take you on, then they are bound by
law to make all reasonable adjustments to accommodate your disability, and
make every effort to assist you throughout your employment with them.

It sounds as though your current employer is trying to put as much distance
between you as possible. Again, I believe that they may be breaking the
law. Even if they believe they didn't cause it. If their specialist has
told them that they didn't cause it, I think they are still bound by law to
make reasonable adjustments for you. If they sent you to see a
rheumatologist then that might actually be considered as a reasonable step
towards making reasonable adjustments for you.

I think it is time you saw a solicitor to confirm your rights. There are
many good solicitors around, and many of them (if not most) will give you a
free consultation. Litigation is always a last resort so consider carefully
any advice you are given. If you go to your local Citizens Advice Bureau
first then they will be able to point you in the right direction.
It could be that if you feel the need to move on then their attitude MIGHT
be construed as constructive unfair dismissal, but this depends on how long
that you have been with them. In consultation with a medical specialist and
a solicitor it might be that you are deemed to be disabled within the
meaning of the Disability Discrimination Act (1996) and that they have
broken the law... this applies regardless of the amount of time that you
have been with your current employer.

PLEASE confirm any advice I have given in this message with a
solicitor/Citizens Advice Bureau. I am NOT a solicitor and have NO legal
training. I can only speak from the experience I have. It sounds as though
your situation is extremely close to my own.

It is also important that you see your own GP and follow any advice he/she
gives you. If you are not happy with the advice then of course seek a
second opinion.

Good luck.

Salman.

-----Original Message-----
From: Gemma Uden [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, July 31, 2000 10:26 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Changing jobs

Due to my employers recent attitude towards my RSI, as in they did not cause
it, I brought it on myself and they have helped me all they can and don't
want to hear anymore about it, I have decided that it is time for me to move
on and find a job where my employers will treat me like a human being! As
my RSI started in my current employment, I have never been in a position
before where I need special equipment to enable me to work relatively pain
free. Can anyone advise me as to how best to approach a potential new
employer with my needs. Should I not say anything until I am offered a new
job, should I bring it up at the interview or should I put a little note on
my CV? Any advice on how best to handle this would be greatly appreciated!

Gemma.


*******************************************************************
Unsubscribing: send a blank e-mail to [email protected]

FAQ: http://www.rsi-uk.org.uk/faq.txt
Archives: http://www.rsi-uk.org.uk/archive
RSI-UK website: http://www.rsi-uk.org.uk
List Owner: [email protected]
********************************************************************



*******************************************************************
Unsubscribing: send a blank e-mail to [email protected]

FAQ: http://www.rsi-uk.org.uk/faq.txt
Archives: http://www.rsi-uk.org.uk/archive
RSI-UK website: http://www.rsi-uk.org.uk
List Owner: [email protected]
********************************************************************

Search Facility developed by : Loud-n-Clear Ltd