It recently emerged that the Jobcentre were using a form which encouraged people with disabilities and chronic illnesses to ‘downplay’ their conditions in an attempt to secure employment. The form advised prospective employees to avoid using words like ‘chronic’ or ‘depression’ when applying for work. They were advised to use ‘more general terms’ such as ‘low mood’ and to avoid making things ‘sound worse than they are’.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) promptly removed the form from circulation and said that people should feel they can speak ‘freely’ about health conditions.
While quite shocking, the fact that this kind of advice was included on a Jobcentre form really demonstrates how a disability, medical condition and/or an injury can considerably set a person back when applying for work.
Where someone has suffered an injury as a result of an accident, sometimes they have to give up their previous job, for example if they worked in a manual role and are no longer physically able to carry out the role due to their injury.
Some may be able to secure an alternative role with little or no difficulty, depending on the type and extent of their injury. However, more limiting injuries can significantly restrict the amount of suitable jobs which a person is able to successfully apply for and/or actually carry out. This can leave people out of work and suffering from financial losses.
It is therefore understandable why some people may be reluctant to disclose a disability, medical condition and/or an injury to a prospective employer for fear of not being considered appropriate for the job.
However, in respect of making a personal injury claim following an accident, it is important that if requested, the details of your injuries are disclosed to a current or prospective employer. A failure to do so could affect your credibility if your claim is disputed. It is important to remember that any financial losses which you incur as a result of your injuries, including loss of earnings, can be claimed for.
We deal with many personal injury claims and have successfully secured compensation for clients who have suffered financial losses following an accident, including loss of earnings. If you have suffered a physical and/or mental injury which was not your fault and have incurred financial losses as a result, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01616 966 229 for advice.
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