Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi all...
With there being so few neurodiverse (ND) people in full-time employment, I was wondering what, if any, experiences anyone else has had when applying for a job with an employer that is registered with the Disability Confident Scheme?
My own experience has been less than stellar, but then, the most recent attempt was applying for a job with the local council
I have several issues/question regarding the DCS - all based purely upon my own experience and latter research.
First, please indulge me in relating my most recent experience:
I saw a job advertised that I would be able to do standing on my head, blindfolded and one arm tied behind my back.
I had ALL the mandatory skills/experience and all except for one of the desirable ones
Being a local authority, they wanted their own specific application form filled out etc. Now, I don't know about anyone else, but I go to complete pieces when it comes to application forms for anything, let alone a job - sends the anxiety straight through the roof. Knowing this, I telephoned the HR department, explained my situation to a very helpful lady and she agreed that, in my case, they would make a reasonable adjustment and allow me to fill in only the basics on the application form and submit my CV for the evidence of skills and experience etc. This I duly did - even thanking them for the reasonable adjustment in the covering email.
It just so happens that this local authority quite proudly promote themselves as a Disability Confident employer. Even on their own website it states that if you are applying under the Disability Confident scheme and you meet the minimum requirements for the job, you are guaranteed an interview. Result, I thought.
Imagine my surprise when 3 weeks later I receive an email stating that I have been unsuccessful and will not be called for interview. TO be perfectly honest, it felt like someone had stepped out of my computer and slapped me round the face.
I emailed them asking for feedback on why my application was unsuccessful. Another 3 weeks went by and then I received an email stating that it is not their policy to give feedback at the application form stage of the interview process. I replied stating that as I had applied under the DCS, I would really rather appreciate the feedback especially as I met all their criteria. 2 weeks later I receive an email stating that the HR manager will discuss my application with the hiring manager(s) and get back to me though she also re-iterated that it is not their policy to give feedback at this stage. 4 weeks down the line I get an email... This email says that there was no evidence that I met the criteria in my application.
To (hopefully) put a picture in your mind think bull & red rag.
I duly opened my CV in Word, highlighted ALL the areas that evidenced where I met, or exceeded, their requirements and sent it back to them with a very politely worded email asking where, exactly, the evidence they were looking for was lacking. That was 2 months ago and I still have not received any response.
Now, my questions...
Okay... Soap box has been made into a go-kart now...
Has anyone else had any experiences - positive or negative - of this or any similar schemes?
With all the comments received pointing that my experience is far from unique, I would re-iterate my call for NAS too get involved etc
https://www.autism.org.uk/professionals/employers/information-for-employers/team-projects.aspx
ElephantInTheRoom is right to point this out. The fundamental problem I see is that this type of discrimination is treated as a individual civil issue which means it relies on the individual to pursue a claim for a remedy. This is not straightforward or always practical for everyone. I think that ACAS of the DWP should have more powers to sanction (even fine) organisations which do not demonstrate they can meet the Equality Act (similar to the ICO for GDPR).
Depressing, but true... I once got a 'secret' pay rise because my manager had noticed my colleagues going to enormous lengths to avoid difficult tasks whilst I just got on with the job! Maybe I should have stuck in that job...
Plastic said:Spot on again - have we worked in the same places?
I would you have to agree
Spot on again - have we worked in the same places?
Being good at your job is worth pretty much nothing. In actual fact you often end up being bitten by the "curse of competence" - everybody claims they need help and can't do their work, so you're expected to do their jobs as well as yours whilst keeping up with all your normal work.
Ofc, because the norms are good at the social game, their inability to do their job is socially acceptable, meanwhile they start looking for the slightest excuse to cause you trouble because you being good at your job makes them look bad and gets in the way of their socialising.
As far as I can tell, pretty much the only way to get anywhere in a norm organisation is playing the social game well.
Sadly, I think you highlight a reality that affects too many of those on the spectrum. It seems that being good at your job is not as important as how you fit in and play the game.