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- ADHD, attention deficity hyperactivity disorder
- DDA, Disability Discrimination Act
- IDDM, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
The purpose of this study was to gain employers’ views on employment restrictions for young people with four medical conditions—asthma, epilepsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).
METHODS
A questionnaire was sent to Directors of Occupational Health and Personnel of 15 national companies and recruitment offices of the Royal Navy, RAF, Army, and the police. Respondents were asked for details of policies for applicants with asthma, epilepsy, ADHD, and IDDM and potentially unsuitable jobs.
RESULTS
Response rate was 75%. Specific conditions will be considered separately.
Asthma
The Armed Forces had clear policies—asthma is generally incompatible with service requirements. Exceptions may be considered for those: (a) who have been asymptomatic during the previous four years; and (b) whose earlier symptoms did not require long term/maintenance therapy with theophyllines, nebulisers, or steroids, unless associated with a proven chest infection.
Only two companies had policies. Free text comments included: “our policy originally excluded asthmatics from soldering, but now asthmatics are not ‘screened out’ as proper extraction systems are in place”; “isocyanate spraying jobs are unsuitable”.
Epilepsy
The …
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