Advice from DWP adviser

This is a while ago but I was wondering if it had happened to anyone else?;

About a year ago I saw a disability adviser when I went for a regular job center interview. After enquiring about my mental health she advised me not to tell any potential employer!

What is legal and illegal information when you apply for a job?

All the jobs I have ever applied for come with a medical form. Do you think she was implying that I lied on this form?

I was too gobsmacked when she said it to challenge her.

Best wishes,
Rachel

ps I hope the mods have been able to have a bit of rest xx

Hi Rachel

It does sound like she was suggesting that you lie on the form, as you are not likely to volunteer information about your mental health at an interview.

Most job applications have a declaration to sign stating that everything you've written on the form is true to the best of your knowledge, and in some cases a warning that you can be prosecuted if you knowingly withhold or give false information.

In such cases it would be breaking the law, and there must be some possibility albeit small, of going to prison, although it is very safe for somebody to sit behind a desk and tell you to do it!

Incidentally, somebody from JCP gave me similar advice when I was claiming JSA, but unlike you, I wasn't at all gob smacked; nothing a JCP advisor says would surprise me. I simply told her that I can't withhold information because it is illegal.

Derek

Hi Derek, thankyou for your comprehensive reply.

I have had my eyes opened by reading of members experiences on this website. I think I was very naive and assumed somebody working for the JCP wouldn't tell you to blatantly lie on a legal document!

I am jumping the gun a bit because I really don't think I will win my appeal.

I haven't exaggerated my illness up to now and don't intend to, it just seems that mental health issues aren't taken very seriously. If they give you enough tablets to cope, then they can wash their hands of you.

Thankyou once again and with the knowledge you have given me I shall certainly challenge any 'advice' from the JCP in future!

Best wishes,
Rachel

Hi Rachel, I have a newspaper cutting i`ve kept, dated March- 27- 2010 (Daily Mail). The story is about a woman who faked qualifications to win a £23,000-a-year job. She became the first woman in the country to be imprisoned for lying on a cv. She WAS JAILED FOR 6 MONTHS. In my eyes this says it all, Do NOT refrain from writing everything concerning your illness (whatever this may be) on possible future job applications. If JCP tell you otherwise they are wrong. I can only imagine that if injuries at work occurred you would NOT be covered. THIS GOVERNMENT CAN NOT HAVE IT BOTH WAYS!!!!!!!!
regards, Dave.

Hi Dave, thankyou for your reply.

I can see why people exagerate but I wouldn't want to lie. The annoying thing, as I have read so many times, is that you don't get anywhere by being honest either.
It does feel like a lose lose situation for many at the moment.

But I will not stoop to lying even if advised to by the JCP!

Best wishes,
Rachel

Hi Rachel

I had a similar problem last year when i was told i had to start applying for jobs. It stated on the application form, is there anything that would keep you away from work within the next 12 months? I was answering that honestly as i have unpredictable disabilities, so i had penciled in yes, whih was the truth!! At my PWI i was told i would never get an interview let alone a job if i continued to declare disability.

Hallelujah!!! My argument was that i wasnt fit to apply or take up a job. I refuse to lie to anybody. Lets finish with a good old saying "you can can get to te bottom of a thief but NEVER a liar"

Ps i am in the support group now!!!

Mm