Disclosing Illness/Disability

[Green89]

Hi everyone

I have an interview for a postperson position in a couple of days and have some queries:

Is mail mostly delivered from one shoulder bags or do you get to use a trolley? I have a shoulder problem and have been specifically told not to carry uneven weight on my shoulders. Is there such thing as royal mail backpacks, or could I use my own? I'd wear it on front for easy access to mail. I really want this job but am worried if I tell RM about this they won't consider me for it. I'm perfectly fit for carrying weight that is evenly distributed and already enjoy a lot of walking and being outdoors.

To complicate things further I have lots of symptoms of another condition (autism) and am having to wait 9 months for a diagnostic assessment. It is likely that these symptoms would have an affect on me at work. I can mask them to some extent but it's really difficult and exhausting.

Would this be classed as a disability although I don't (yet) have an official diagnosis? Should I tell RM before my interview, after (if I get the job), or not at all?

Thanks for any help!

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Autism is as far as I know covered under the Equality Act so that shouldn't be a problem. In fact from what people on here have posted posties suffering Asperges Syndrome have had successful careers with Royal Mail so, as long as your honest, and don't mind explaining how it affects you so they can take reasonable steps to accommodate ay specific requirements I can't see it holding you back.

As to bags on shoulders there are 2 Answers:

Officially, 99% of posties should be using golf or pram like trolleys. Only in a few special cases are bags on Shoulders used and these should not exceed 5kg or 8kg depending on the particular delivery. However a very small percentage of delivery offices have not yet transferred to this method of delivery, and they still carry heavy shoulder bags.

Golf Type:

Pram Type:

Unofficially: Pressure may be put on you to use shoulder bags by colleagues and managers as its seen by some as a quicker method. But you are WELL WITHIN YOUR RIGHTS to insist you stick with the official methods because of your shoulders condition.

[NightOwl]

I made them aware on the application of my disability- mental illness. Royal Mail have the two green ticks- positive towards disabled people. So I would make them aware as soon as! I applied because of the good feedback from folk whom have mental health issues and working with RM.