Client requiring medical questionnaire and access to medical records

[TedStriker]

Hi,

Sorry to jump straight in like this with my first post but hopefully someone can help.

I am due to start a contract in the next few weeks as a computer desktop engineer and as part of the process I've been sent a form by my agency entitled 'Occupational Health Screening Questionnaire'. It's 8 pages long, asks questions about every aspect of health and requires my consent to give full access to my GP and medical records.

I am running as a limited company via the agency so well removed from 'employment' with the client and this is the first time I've had a request like this. Throughout the form there are references to 'employee' and 'employer' - I'm pretty sure it's the same form they'd give a permanent employee once employed.

Part of me thinks 'just fill it in and forget it' but the other part of me doesn't feel easy with giving out this kind of information to a company with which I have no direct link.

My medical history isn't terrible but I have been ill in the past and am concerned that a decision could be taken against me before the contract starts in a manner that would be illegal in genuine employment.

What do you think?

Thanks

Ted

[malvolio]

Hi,

Sorry to jump straight in like this with my first post but hopefully someone can help.

I am due to start a contract in the next few weeks as a computer desktop engineer and as part of the process I've been sent a form by my agency entitled 'Occupational Health Screening Questionnaire'. It's 8 pages long, asks questions about every aspect of health and requires my consent to give full access to my GP and medical records.

I am running as a limited company via the agency so well removed from 'employment' with the client and this is the first time I've had a request like this. Throughout the form there are references to 'employee' and 'employer' - I'm pretty sure it's the same form they'd give a permanent employee once employed.

Part of me thinks 'just fill it in and forget it' but the other part of me doesn't feel easy with giving out this kind of information to a company with which I have no direct link.

My medical history isn't terrible but I have been ill in the past and am concerned that a decision could be taken against me before the contract starts in a manner that would be illegal in genuine employment.

What do you think?

Thanks

Ted

"Sorry, you seem to have sent me this form in error, since I am not an employee".

[TheFaQQer]

What do you think?

Ignore it.

If they ask for it, tell them that since it was about employment, you assumed it had been sent in error.

If they say that they need it, then write a letter on company headed paper which says something like:

"To whom it may concern,

All employees and company officers of <Your Company> have undertaken an occupational health survey, and to the best of out knowledge, there are no health issues which would impact our ability to deliver the contract between ourselves and <Agency>.

Sincerely,

<Company Secretary>"

It's nothing to do with them, but if they need to show that they have done all the due diligence, then legally that should suffice.

[Old Greg]

Advise them that your Ltd will provide this info via its own systems and processes for an administration fee of £500 + VAT.

[d000hg]

If they say that they need it, then write a letter on company headed paper which says something like:

"To whom it may concern,

All employees and company officers of <Your Company> have undertaken an occupational health survey, and to the best of out knowledge, there are no health issues which would impact our ability to deliver the contract between ourselves and <Agency>.

Sincerely,

<Company Secretary>"

So you think supplying fraudulent information is the best approach? Because I somehow doubt this is the case

[TheFaQQer]

So you think supplying fraudulent information is the best approach? Because I somehow doubt this is the case

No, you read the form and complete it. You file that away in your company records.

Show me the fraud.

[northernladuk]

No, you read the form and complete it. You file that away in your company records.

Show me the fraud.

Show me the occupational health survey...

[TheFaQQer]

Show me the occupational health survey...

They emailed it to the OP, didn't they?

[TedStriker]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the replies, a bit more info...

The site is a research facility and as such will not all be standard office environments. The contract is initially for 6 months but as a 'trial' to see if a permanent position is viable. It seems like the company is already treating me as an employee as they have asked for details such as NI number as well.

As it's the agency that have forwarded the form on to me, I guess that suggests they are ok with it. One further point if I do fill it in is that the agency will also have possession of a confidential medical document which they have no right to.

The only other time I've had a similar situation was when I went permanent after 3 years contracting at a chemical plant. Shortly after permanent employment started I had a medical exam/questionnaire but not before. I also believe it's against employment law to require detailed medical information before employment has commenced.

http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/s...yers_final.pdf

Thanks,
Ted

[SueEllen]

Show me the occupational health survey...

I can write one for you.

It never said it needed to be written by an expert......