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.
 
Sir Nick Partridge, Chief Executive at Terrence Higgins Trust said “Some companies use the answers to these health related questions as a way of cutting out potential candidates. Someone with HIV could be the best person for a job but could be turned down because of assumptions the employer makes about their health.  This is unacceptable. All we want to see is a system which gives people with stigmatised conditions a fair chance.”
Paul Corry, Rethink Director of Public Affairs, says: “This survey shows what job seekers are up against – irrelevant questions about their health before they have even applied for a position. Such questions can create a very real fear of discrimination and discourage some good candidates from putting themselves forward. Others feel they have to lie to get an interview. Those who are up-front about their medical history tell us that it is almost impossible to find a job.
“The Government is committed to helping people with mental health problems back to work. Pre-employment questionnaires are a major barrier to this. The Equality Bill is the perfect opportunity to address this issue.”

THT is running an e-campaign against discrimination in recruitment.  People can sign up by visiting www.tht.org.uk/campaign or by searching for ‘end discrimination in recruitment’ on the Facebook causes application.

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Notes to editors

• Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s largest HIV and sexual health charity with centres across England, Scotland and Wales. We're here to provide information and advice about HIV and sexual health and offer a range of services including sexual health checks, counselling and support groups.  We campaign for a world where people with HIV live healthy lives, free from prejudice and discrimination and we promote good sexual health as a right and reality for all. Terrence Higgins Trust relies on donations to deliver a wide range of services. To make a donation, visit www.tht.org.uk

• NAT (National AIDS Trust) is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to transforming society’s response to HIV. We provide fresh thinking, expert advice and practical resources. We campaign for change. Shaping attitudes. Challenging injustice. Changing lives. www.nat.org.uk

• Rethink is the UK’s leading national mental health membership charity, works to help everyone affected by severe mental illness recover a better quality of life. We aim to provide hope and empowerment through effective services and support to all those who need us and campaign for change through greater awareness and understanding. www.rethink.org 

• This campaign is supported by THT, NAT Rethink, the Disability Charities Consortium, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Mind, the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, the Employers’ Forum on Disability, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, RNID and the BMA.