MEDICAL

In a snapshot survey published by Terrence Higgins Trust today, two thirds of top organisations were found to ask irrelevant health related questions on job application forms. A coalition of charities wants these questions banned to reduce the discrimination faced by people with 'invisible' conditions such as mental illness or HIV.

HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), NAT (National AIDS Trust) and leading mental health charity Rethink are among the organisations that want an amendment to the Equality Bill to ban irrelevant health-related questions until after a job offer has been made. Employers could still ask in advance about conditions which would affect a candidate's ability to undertake that particular role.

THT surveyed the application forms of 50 organisations including charities, local councils, government departments, police forces, fire brigades, health services, law firms, colleges, and housing and construction companies. 66% asked medical questions on their application forms including questions asking whether candidates have specific disabilities. Some companies also expect candidates to undergo medical examinations and even blood tests, prior to being offered jobs.

Under the current system, employers are allowed to ask about disabilities, if the candidate is taking medication or has a medical condition - even if it has no relevance to the job. This can lead to discrimination and allows employers to make decisions based on prejudice, rather than ability. The coalition wants to see the Equality Bill amended to prevent this from happening.

In the United States and a significant number of EU member states, pre-interview disclosure is against the law, offering significant protection to people with disabilities and long-term medical conditions.