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Is it usual to complete an extensive medical form for an office-based role? [closed]
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I have just got all the paperwork through for starting a new job, and part of it is a very extensive medical form that basically wants to know my entire medical history, whether it affects my work or not.
I have quizzed it, as some of my history is personal, has no effect on my ability to do a job, and is unlikely ever to cause a problem at work, and have essentially been told that they need it for 'Health and Safety' reasons, and there could be problems if I left anything out. It was also implied that they thought I was being awkward - which of course isn't the impression I want to give!
This is the first time in my career (several companies) that anyone has requested such an extensive medical history for work - is this usual in the UK?
new-job united-kingdom
asked Mar 22 '16 at 20:29
user48245
511
closed as off-topic by gnat, jimm101, IDrinkandIKnowThings, NotMe, paparazzo Mar 24 '16 at 9:01
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions seeking advice on company-specific regulations, agreements, or policies should be directed to your manager or HR department. Questions that address only a specific company or position are of limited use to future visitors. Questions seeking legal advice should be directed to legal professionals. For more information, click here." – gnat, jimm101, IDrinkandIKnowThings, NotMe, paparazzo
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
9
down vote
favorite
I have just got all the paperwork through for starting a new job, and part of it is a very extensive medical form that basically wants to know my entire medical history, whether it affects my work or not.
I have quizzed it, as some of my history is personal, has no effect on my ability to do a job, and is unlikely ever to cause a problem at work, and have essentially been told that they need it for 'Health and Safety' reasons, and there could be problems if I left anything out. It was also implied that they thought I was being awkward - which of course isn't the impression I want to give!
This is the first time in my career (several companies) that anyone has requested such an extensive medical history for work - is this usual in the UK?
new-job united-kingdom
asked Mar 22 '16 at 20:29
user48245
511
closed as off-topic by gnat, jimm101, IDrinkandIKnowThings, NotMe, paparazzo Mar 24 '16 at 9:01
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions seeking advice on company-specific regulations, agreements, or policies should be directed to your manager or HR department. Questions that address only a specific company or position are of limited use to future visitors. Questions seeking legal advice should be directed to legal professionals. For more information, click here." – gnat, jimm101, IDrinkandIKnowThings, NotMe, paparazzo
sounds like company policy, some HR person thought it would be a great idea, rather than it being normal, but I'm not familiar with the UK, will be interesting to read the answers
– Kilisi
Mar 22 '16 at 21:54
2
Where I am from, asking detailed questions about ones medical history might actually be illegal, especially when you are not working in a field where hygiene is important. But I have no idea how UK laws see this.
– Philipp
Mar 22 '16 at 22:10
It may have something to do with the equality act as outlined here, but im not sure.
– CKM
Mar 22 '16 at 23:27
In germany, other then problems directly related to future work performance, any medical history is none of the employers business.
– Magisch
Mar 23 '16 at 8:35
Does th job include private health insurance?
– Mark
Mar 23 '16 at 14:37
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
9
down vote
favorite
up vote
9
down vote
favorite
I have just got all the paperwork through for starting a new job, and part of it is a very extensive medical form that basically wants to know my entire medical history, whether it affects my work or not.
I have quizzed it, as some of my history is personal, has no effect on my ability to do a job, and is unlikely ever to cause a problem at work, and have essentially been told that they need it for 'Health and Safety' reasons, and there could be problems if I left anything out. It was also implied that they thought I was being awkward - which of course isn't the impression I want to give!
This is the first time in my career (several companies) that anyone has requested such an extensive medical history for work - is this usual in the UK?
new-job united-kingdom
asked Mar 22 '16 at 20:29
user48245
511
I have just got all the paperwork through for starting a new job, and part of it is a very extensive medical form that basically wants to know my entire medical history, whether it affects my work or not.
I have quizzed it, as some of my history is personal, has no effect on my ability to do a job, and is unlikely ever to cause a problem at work, and have essentially been told that they need it for 'Health and Safety' reasons, and there could be problems if I left anything out. It was also implied that they thought I was being awkward - which of course isn't the impression I want to give!
This is the first time in my career (several companies) that anyone has requested such an extensive medical history for work - is this usual in the UK?
new-job united-kingdom
asked Mar 22 '16 at 20:29
user48245
511
asked Mar 22 '16 at 20:29
user48245
511
asked Mar 22 '16 at 20:29
user48245
511
asked Mar 22 '16 at 20:29
user48245
511
511
closed as off-topic by gnat, jimm101, IDrinkandIKnowThings, NotMe, paparazzo Mar 24 '16 at 9:01
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions seeking advice on company-specific regulations, agreements, or policies should be directed to your manager or HR department. Questions that address only a specific company or position are of limited use to future visitors. Questions seeking legal advice should be directed to legal professionals. For more information, click here." – gnat, jimm101, IDrinkandIKnowThings, NotMe, paparazzo
closed as off-topic by gnat, jimm101, IDrinkandIKnowThings, NotMe, paparazzo Mar 24 '16 at 9:01
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions seeking advice on company-specific regulations, agreements, or policies should be directed to your manager or HR department. Questions that address only a specific company or position are of limited use to future visitors. Questions seeking legal advice should be directed to legal professionals. For more information, click here." – gnat, jimm101, IDrinkandIKnowThings, NotMe, paparazzo
sounds like company policy, some HR person thought it would be a great idea, rather than it being normal, but I'm not familiar with the UK, will be interesting to read the answers
– Kilisi
Mar 22 '16 at 21:54
2
Where I am from, asking detailed questions about ones medical history might actually be illegal, especially when you are not working in a field where hygiene is important. But I have no idea how UK laws see this.
– Philipp
Mar 22 '16 at 22:10
It may have something to do with the equality act as outlined here, but im not sure.
– CKM
Mar 22 '16 at 23:27
In germany, other then problems directly related to future work performance, any medical history is none of the employers business.
– Magisch
Mar 23 '16 at 8:35
Does th job include private health insurance?
– Mark
Mar 23 '16 at 14:37
suggest improvements |Â
sounds like company policy, some HR person thought it would be a great idea, rather than it being normal, but I'm not familiar with the UK, will be interesting to read the answers
– Kilisi
Mar 22 '16 at 21:54
2
Where I am from, asking detailed questions about ones medical history might actually be illegal, especially when you are not working in a field where hygiene is important. But I have no idea how UK laws see this.
– Philipp
Mar 22 '16 at 22:10
It may have something to do with the equality act as outlined here, but im not sure.
– CKM
Mar 22 '16 at 23:27
In germany, other then problems directly related to future work performance, any medical history is none of the employers business.
– Magisch
Mar 23 '16 at 8:35
Does th job include private health insurance?
– Mark
Mar 23 '16 at 14:37
sounds like company policy, some HR person thought it would be a great idea, rather than it being normal, but I'm not familiar with the UK, will be interesting to read the answers
– Kilisi
Mar 22 '16 at 21:54
sounds like company policy, some HR person thought it would be a great idea, rather than it being normal, but I'm not familiar with the UK, will be interesting to read the answers
– Kilisi
Mar 22 '16 at 21:54
2
2
Where I am from, asking detailed questions about ones medical history might actually be illegal, especially when you are not working in a field where hygiene is important. But I have no idea how UK laws see this.
– Philipp
Mar 22 '16 at 22:10
Where I am from, asking detailed questions about ones medical history might actually be illegal, especially when you are not working in a field where hygiene is important. But I have no idea how UK laws see this.
– Philipp
Mar 22 '16 at 22:10
It may have something to do with the equality act as outlined here, but im not sure.
– CKM
Mar 22 '16 at 23:27
It may have something to do with the equality act as outlined here, but im not sure.
– CKM
Mar 22 '16 at 23:27
In germany, other then problems directly related to future work performance, any medical history is none of the employers business.
– Magisch
Mar 23 '16 at 8:35
In germany, other then problems directly related to future work performance, any medical history is none of the employers business.
– Magisch
Mar 23 '16 at 8:35
Does th job include private health insurance?
– Mark
Mar 23 '16 at 14:37
Does th job include private health insurance?
– Mark
Mar 23 '16 at 14:37
suggest improvements |Â
2 Answers
2
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oldest
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up vote
3
down vote
Normal in that it happens with most companies? Nope, the vast majority won't bother at all, or will simply ask whether you have any disability that could affect your work
Normal in that it happens sometimes? Sure. I had one when applying for my current job within the NHS (no fly-by-night cowboy firm, for sure... And they tend to know a thing or two about health).
I wouldn't see it as anything problematic or unusual. They probably don't actually need the entire form for an office job, but for them it's easier to just make sure it's complete for everyone and that way they don't risk making a mistake. If they offer health or travel/life insurance benefits or similar, it may even be related to that and be part and parcel of you receiving those benefits
answered Mar 23 '16 at 8:47
Jon Story
6,49022045
I've had the same at a major UK bank, it can be as much about making an accommodation for someone who needs it as anything else.
– The Wandering Dev Manager
Mar 23 '16 at 8:52
I agree, I've also seen HR pull these sorts of things out of nowhere just because someone who didn't have enough to do made a form.
– Kilisi
Mar 23 '16 at 9:05
1
+1 I've had this once in the UK, and it was because the company's long-term-sickness insurer required it.
– Rup
Mar 23 '16 at 11:04
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
I have just got all the paperwork through for starting a new job, and
part of it is a very extensive medical form that basically wants to
know my entire medical history,
Its definately not normal for office based roles, and depending on the exact laws in your country it may even be flat out illegal (I know it is in my country, not sure about the UK, but IANAL).
So my advice would be to consult with an actual lawyer wether or not the company is even allowed to ask for this.
But its definately not normal.
answered Mar 23 '16 at 8:35
Magisch
16.5k134776
suggest improvements |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
3
down vote
Normal in that it happens with most companies? Nope, the vast majority won't bother at all, or will simply ask whether you have any disability that could affect your work
Normal in that it happens sometimes? Sure. I had one when applying for my current job within the NHS (no fly-by-night cowboy firm, for sure... And they tend to know a thing or two about health).
I wouldn't see it as anything problematic or unusual. They probably don't actually need the entire form for an office job, but for them it's easier to just make sure it's complete for everyone and that way they don't risk making a mistake. If they offer health or travel/life insurance benefits or similar, it may even be related to that and be part and parcel of you receiving those benefits
answered Mar 23 '16 at 8:47
Jon Story
6,49022045
I've had the same at a major UK bank, it can be as much about making an accommodation for someone who needs it as anything else.
– The Wandering Dev Manager
Mar 23 '16 at 8:52
I agree, I've also seen HR pull these sorts of things out of nowhere just because someone who didn't have enough to do made a form.
– Kilisi
Mar 23 '16 at 9:05
1
+1 I've had this once in the UK, and it was because the company's long-term-sickness insurer required it.
– Rup
Mar 23 '16 at 11:04
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
Normal in that it happens with most companies? Nope, the vast majority won't bother at all, or will simply ask whether you have any disability that could affect your work
Normal in that it happens sometimes? Sure. I had one when applying for my current job within the NHS (no fly-by-night cowboy firm, for sure... And they tend to know a thing or two about health).
I wouldn't see it as anything problematic or unusual. They probably don't actually need the entire form for an office job, but for them it's easier to just make sure it's complete for everyone and that way they don't risk making a mistake. If they offer health or travel/life insurance benefits or similar, it may even be related to that and be part and parcel of you receiving those benefits
answered Mar 23 '16 at 8:47
Jon Story
6,49022045
I've had the same at a major UK bank, it can be as much about making an accommodation for someone who needs it as anything else.
– The Wandering Dev Manager
Mar 23 '16 at 8:52
I agree, I've also seen HR pull these sorts of things out of nowhere just because someone who didn't have enough to do made a form.
– Kilisi
Mar 23 '16 at 9:05
1
+1 I've had this once in the UK, and it was because the company's long-term-sickness insurer required it.
– Rup
Mar 23 '16 at 11:04
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
Normal in that it happens with most companies? Nope, the vast majority won't bother at all, or will simply ask whether you have any disability that could affect your work
Normal in that it happens sometimes? Sure. I had one when applying for my current job within the NHS (no fly-by-night cowboy firm, for sure... And they tend to know a thing or two about health).
I wouldn't see it as anything problematic or unusual. They probably don't actually need the entire form for an office job, but for them it's easier to just make sure it's complete for everyone and that way they don't risk making a mistake. If they offer health or travel/life insurance benefits or similar, it may even be related to that and be part and parcel of you receiving those benefits
answered Mar 23 '16 at 8:47
Jon Story
6,49022045
Normal in that it happens with most companies? Nope, the vast majority won't bother at all, or will simply ask whether you have any disability that could affect your work
Normal in that it happens sometimes? Sure. I had one when applying for my current job within the NHS (no fly-by-night cowboy firm, for sure... And they tend to know a thing or two about health).
I wouldn't see it as anything problematic or unusual. They probably don't actually need the entire form for an office job, but for them it's easier to just make sure it's complete for everyone and that way they don't risk making a mistake. If they offer health or travel/life insurance benefits or similar, it may even be related to that and be part and parcel of you receiving those benefits
answered Mar 23 '16 at 8:47
Jon Story
6,49022045
answered Mar 23 '16 at 8:47
Jon Story
6,49022045
answered Mar 23 '16 at 8:47
Jon Story
6,49022045
answered Mar 23 '16 at 8:47
Jon Story
6,49022045
6,49022045
I've had the same at a major UK bank, it can be as much about making an accommodation for someone who needs it as anything else.
– The Wandering Dev Manager
Mar 23 '16 at 8:52
I agree, I've also seen HR pull these sorts of things out of nowhere just because someone who didn't have enough to do made a form.
– Kilisi
Mar 23 '16 at 9:05
1
+1 I've had this once in the UK, and it was because the company's long-term-sickness insurer required it.
– Rup
Mar 23 '16 at 11:04
suggest improvements |Â
I've had the same at a major UK bank, it can be as much about making an accommodation for someone who needs it as anything else.
– The Wandering Dev Manager
Mar 23 '16 at 8:52
I agree, I've also seen HR pull these sorts of things out of nowhere just because someone who didn't have enough to do made a form.
– Kilisi
Mar 23 '16 at 9:05
1
+1 I've had this once in the UK, and it was because the company's long-term-sickness insurer required it.
– Rup
Mar 23 '16 at 11:04
I've had the same at a major UK bank, it can be as much about making an accommodation for someone who needs it as anything else.
– The Wandering Dev Manager
Mar 23 '16 at 8:52
I've had the same at a major UK bank, it can be as much about making an accommodation for someone who needs it as anything else.
– The Wandering Dev Manager
Mar 23 '16 at 8:52
I agree, I've also seen HR pull these sorts of things out of nowhere just because someone who didn't have enough to do made a form.
– Kilisi
Mar 23 '16 at 9:05
I agree, I've also seen HR pull these sorts of things out of nowhere just because someone who didn't have enough to do made a form.
– Kilisi
Mar 23 '16 at 9:05
1
1
+1 I've had this once in the UK, and it was because the company's long-term-sickness insurer required it.
– Rup
Mar 23 '16 at 11:04
+1 I've had this once in the UK, and it was because the company's long-term-sickness insurer required it.
– Rup
Mar 23 '16 at 11:04
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
I have just got all the paperwork through for starting a new job, and
part of it is a very extensive medical form that basically wants to
know my entire medical history,
Its definately not normal for office based roles, and depending on the exact laws in your country it may even be flat out illegal (I know it is in my country, not sure about the UK, but IANAL).
So my advice would be to consult with an actual lawyer wether or not the company is even allowed to ask for this.
But its definately not normal.
answered Mar 23 '16 at 8:35
Magisch
16.5k134776
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
I have just got all the paperwork through for starting a new job, and
part of it is a very extensive medical form that basically wants to
know my entire medical history,
Its definately not normal for office based roles, and depending on the exact laws in your country it may even be flat out illegal (I know it is in my country, not sure about the UK, but IANAL).
So my advice would be to consult with an actual lawyer wether or not the company is even allowed to ask for this.
But its definately not normal.
answered Mar 23 '16 at 8:35
Magisch
16.5k134776
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
I have just got all the paperwork through for starting a new job, and
part of it is a very extensive medical form that basically wants to
know my entire medical history,
Its definately not normal for office based roles, and depending on the exact laws in your country it may even be flat out illegal (I know it is in my country, not sure about the UK, but IANAL).
So my advice would be to consult with an actual lawyer wether or not the company is even allowed to ask for this.
But its definately not normal.
answered Mar 23 '16 at 8:35
Magisch
16.5k134776
I have just got all the paperwork through for starting a new job, and
part of it is a very extensive medical form that basically wants to
know my entire medical history,
Its definately not normal for office based roles, and depending on the exact laws in your country it may even be flat out illegal (I know it is in my country, not sure about the UK, but IANAL).
So my advice would be to consult with an actual lawyer wether or not the company is even allowed to ask for this.
But its definately not normal.
answered Mar 23 '16 at 8:35
Magisch
16.5k134776
answered Mar 23 '16 at 8:35
Magisch
16.5k134776
answered Mar 23 '16 at 8:35
Magisch
16.5k134776
answered Mar 23 '16 at 8:35
Magisch
16.5k134776
16.5k134776
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
sounds like company policy, some HR person thought it would be a great idea, rather than it being normal, but I'm not familiar with the UK, will be interesting to read the answers
– Kilisi
Mar 22 '16 at 21:54
2
Where I am from, asking detailed questions about ones medical history might actually be illegal, especially when you are not working in a field where hygiene is important. But I have no idea how UK laws see this.
– Philipp
Mar 22 '16 at 22:10
It may have something to do with the equality act as outlined here, but im not sure.
– CKM
Mar 22 '16 at 23:27
In germany, other then problems directly related to future work performance, any medical history is none of the employers business.
– Magisch
Mar 23 '16 at 8:35
Does th job include private health insurance?
– Mark
Mar 23 '16 at 14:37