UK: health rights as employee?

Question

just got a new teaching job and have been sent quite a detailed form to fill in about medical history. I have the right to refuse my new employer access to my doctors' records, but this could make them even more suspicious and I'm worried I might be refused the job! I have had quite a lot of time off, for different things, most of which I'm over, and am currently being treated for a couple of different (but possibly related) health issues. Also, some of it is rather sensitive stuff (depression - now over, a digestive problem which has involved some lovely invasive tests, possible cancerous lumps on the jaw). My current employers' lack of sympathy has made me nervous about it!

I won't lie on the form, but I really would rather they didn't go rooting through my records. However, I don't want to refuse them access and look suspicious! Am I just worrying over nothing - are they even likely to check?

Can anyone who works for a county council, especially in HR, please give me a hand?

Hi Steve,
as with all teaching jobs, I have been offered it conditionally on all the Criminal Records checks, medical forms, other paperwork going through ok.

"Medical insurance"?? Now I know you never worked in HR in a British school!!

Answer 1

Having worked in HR (in education) for 15 years this sounds like a fairly standard pre-employment medical check. Essentially it is designed to look at your general fitness to carry out your duties. It is likely the form will be scrutinised by a trained Occupational Health professional and the form should tell you clearly who the information will be disclosed to. Your employment will be subject to satisfactory medical checks, so any refusal to co-operate could lead to any job offer being revoked.

Answer 2

First you say you 'got a new job' and then say 'might be refused' ... so it's difficult to advise ..

If you are still at the Interview stage ... you will be judged on your ability to do the job so of course your general health will be taken into account.

Rather than refuse to complete the form I would suggest you focus on your current better state of health and how long since your last hospital visit / last sickness leave ... (it's highly unlikely that will make the effort or have the time to get Doctors Reports for every applicant before the interviews).

If you have already been offered the job I wouldn't worry too much... most likely they only want the information for the information for the Medical Insurance / Pension Scheme.