Medical
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ACAS recruitment and selection guidance
We recommend that as part of the recruitment process employers ask employees to complete a medical questionnaire. A sample questionnaire is included in the model application form with link opposite.
It should be returned to a medically qualified individual either a doctor or a nurse. That person should then decide if the any further examination is necessary arising from information provided in the questionnaire. The questionnaire and any subsequent information should be held in the care of the medical professional. The employer should not have access to any medical information collected.
Once the information has been collected, the medically qualified professional should express their professional opinion as to whether the applicant is fit for the proposed work. That opinion should take account of the disability legislation which gives employers' the duty to make reasonable adjustments to the workplace to accommodate the disabled. That fitness decision should be communicated to the employer.
It is very important that if an offer is made prior to the medical investigation it should be made clear in the offer letter that the offer is subject to a satisfactory medical opinion.
Employers should make it clear that the if the medical questionnaire is not completed correctly that may be considered gross misconduct and lead to dismissal. See Dismissal link left.