FAS CE scheme application seeks medical info

[Jane Doe]

Can a FAS "Community Employment" CE employer send out an application form which includes questions as to whether you have had any physical or psychiatric illness and if so to give details?

Can they ask that question of all applicants, at application stage, even though only one will get job?

 

[ajapale]

I would have thought that most employers will ask such questions of their prospective employees. I dont see anything wrong with the practice.

 

[pudds]

With the country rampant with drugs etc I don't think it's an unfair question to ask but wasn't asked it myself when I started on a ce last november.

 

[Complainer]

It's certainly not good practice to ask such questions at such an early stage. The broad nature of the question is a problem - Am I supposed to declare my childhood chicken pox and tonsilitis? Am I supposed to declare my post-natal depression? There is no linkage between this question and ability to do the job.

There is also the question as to who will interpret the information provided. Is the average FAS CE scheme supervisor qualified to interpret medical information and assess the impact on ability to do the job.

Asking such a question at application stage also gives ammunition to anyone who wanted to suggest that they were discriminated against on grounds of their disability.

They could possibly ask about medical conditions that impact ability to do the job.

The applicant could contact the FAS Social Inclusion Unit in Dublin to see if this approach fits with FAS policy. Or they could answer the question 'No conditions that impact ability to do the job', though this may well lead to further questions.