The Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act came into force on Friday 1 October - we campaigned for years & helped get in the parts that stop employers asking about mental health.

We got busy on Facebook and Twitter at the end of last week, referring to the BBC News story for more info about the Equality Act but also things like the Explanatory Notes (http://bit.ly/a3thzE - in answer to 'Is the act UK-wide?') and other articles about what the real details are - see our RethinkTalk discussion for example.

However, the thing that we found the most powerful and arresting was this Twitter comment, which we made anonymous and retweeted:

"Fear of being asked about it when applying for jobs stopped me from seeking help from my doctor re: mental health"

We had been asking our online communities if they had feared disclosing their treatment to prospective employers, but I admit it hadn't occurred to me that someone might stop themselves having beneficial treatment, for fear of having to disclose it. Shocking - but in a way, not surprising.

- Chris

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1. At 12:08 PM on 24 October 2010 Trish wrote:

Job offers

After a whole year of waiting for my ESA appeal date (still hasn't arrived) I finally decided to try volunteering to get myself some kind of life started.... To cut a long story short....amazingly the company offered me a proper job interview and I have been told it was successful.It will be very part time but the usual has now happened ...a 3 page medical document arrived yesterday. I have had to admit my depression and use of anti depressants....they can write to your doctor so you have to be truthful....Can they now withdraw the offer on those grounds? Any advice welcomed Trish

"Fear of being asked about it when applying for jobs stopped me from seeking help from my doctor re: mental health"

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Job offers

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