I am currently applying for jobs, but I am unsure answer yes or no to the do you have a disabilty? question. I do have CFS, which does impact my life, although I am able to work. What do you think?
I don't have cfs but if I did I would put yes x
I think if you are not 'registered disabled' then the answer is 'No'. Isn't that what they mean when they ask that question??
I would of thought that having an impairment or chronic illness would be classed as dissabled? Isn't being disabled and having a dissability the same thing? Whether you're registered or not. Correct me if I'm wrong xx
There is a definition for disability on the Internet and it basically says any physical or mental illness which effects your everyday tasks and it's something which has lasted for or is likely to last 12 months or more.
It doesn't necessarily mean you have to be registered disabled. I am not registered disabled and I have Menieres Disease, Fibromyalgia and CFS all of which are classed as disabilities. I always put on job applications that I have a disability as if something happens at work and they're not aware of my condition then how can I expect them to help me...?
I'd seek advice from patients groups and those an employment advisor on how declaring it as a disability is likely to help/hurt you.
I put on my applications that I have a disability as well Stephanie I'm not registered disabled either. I work part time but my employer knows I have limitations and she's great if I need rest. I also have to sign in jsa because I work under 16 hours and I always see the disability advisor there xx
Thanks for all your advice, I have contacted Action ME and goign to speak to my university careers advisors. I will let ou know how I get on.
Good luck hun and keep us informed. It'll be interesting to know x
That is a difficult one, but I would be honest if I were you good luck
I live in Canda and have cfs (recently changed to systemic exertion intolence disease). Here one is considered disabled if they have qualified for disability. If I had any say anyone with cfs would have a disabilty status.
I am always hesitant to say anything to an employeer about being disabled at a job interview - or even when I'm hired. Too many stigmas. Good luck to you.
I feel I must say something about the rediculous new name.
SYSTEMIC EXERTION INTOLERENCE DISEASE.
What on earth are they (whoever they are) thinking of, have some people have nothing else to do with there time, bet they haven't got M.E. or C.F.S.!!!!!!!!
If you're able to apply for jobs you don't have CFS!!!!
...For some of us, not working is not an option. If my health had its way, I wouldn't have to work at all but with a mortgage and children, I just can't afford to stay at home... I have to fight my health every day and yes it's tough....
Indeed true, i worked so long with illness i now have several problems with my heart too, i no longer work, due ot ill health. I battled back from ME once, got into reasonable remission (two years) and then thanks to lack of support at work went back to being very ill, and then heart problems really kicked in. There is a limit to how much fight one can put in before something breaks. At 52 i am not happy with my life or what i can achieve.
That is just what I think but did not like to say!!!
It is physically impossible to work if you have M.E. as bad as I have it, so you can't be to bad, probably just have it mild.
All the best with your job and I hope it doesn't make you worse.
Hi skm13
I would declare it as the Equality act 2010 would cover you as a disclosed condition.
If you were to go sick with ME/CFS while working for this company you would have greater protection under the act/ failing to disclose then having to claim against the company for whatever reason I think you would come unstuck, as they would see from requested medical notes (HR can do that) that you had hidden info regarding your medical condition when applying for work?
Hi Georgia as much as I agree with your statement, I have to disagree, looking at it in a positive way it all depends on the type of work and for how long you do it each day.an example being putting letters into envelops for an hour or two a day is perhaps possible and its work?
whereas more physical or mentally demanding work may not be possible.
I have just been awarded PIP goverment level of 'Higher' disability in both the home and the mobility sections. I was awarded them due to my personal abilities due to the affect CFS and Fibromyalgia have on me not because I have them. With that in mind I would onle list if it is likely to have an affect on you carrying out the job your are applying for. If it could in the forseeable future affect your duties listed for that job you could be considered of with-holding information with you knew at the time of the interview.
Therefore it's all down to whether it is likely to affect you doing the job. You could chose to list it but explain that you could not foresee it affect you doing the job. Then you would be covered if it affected you in a few years time, should you go through a relapse?
Good luck in the job hunt x