medical history
One of the quastions on the application form I'm filling in is: Please give details of any medical history of which we should be aware (eg (..) hidden disabilities such as asthma, epilepsy, diabetes ME, allergies etc). I do have a medical history of which they should be aware, of which I would inform them if I would get the position, but I was shocked to find this question on the application form. Is it common in the UK to ask this question? And how should one answer? Why do they want to know? How will it affect my application?
It is usual for employers to ask about a prospective employee/student’s health. In my experience, you usually have to answer a separate questionnaire which is given directly to the institution’s occupational health department, in a confidential envelope. The occupational health department simply tell the employers whether (in their opinion) you are fit for the job (or not) but don’t provide details. If in doubt, they may ask to see you for a medical assessment. In the UK, it's illegal to discriminate on the basis of a disability so try not to worry.
The thingis, it wasn't just a seperate questionnaire in a conficential envelope, it was a question on the application form, among questionsaboud your grades and hobbies. I know it's illegal to discriminate, but to me it seems impossible to prove that you've been dicriminated.
You may find that this health question is preliminary and that if they wish to invite you for interview, they will send you a further, more detailed health questionnaire. I can understand your concerns but I wouldn't be too worried, after all, the incidence of diseases like asthma and diabetes is very high, and practically everybody knows that they are allergic to something, even if it's just pollen (hayfever!) so you won't be the only one. Good luck.
It is very common in the UK for application forms to ask about health related issues. You shouldn't worry about it.
