Rights and responsibilities

Do I have to tell my employer that I’m ill? What should I say?

• Are there circumstances in which I must disclose my illness?
• Are there other benefits to disclosing information about my illness to my employer?
• What are the risks of disclosing information about my illness?
• Are there things I should look for before I disclose my illness to my employer?

If you are able to come to work, in most cases you do not have to tell your employer that you are ill. However, if you have a mental health problem that could affect your ability to do your job, you will need to consider the benefits and risks of disclosure.

Are there circumstances in which I must disclose my illness?

In some cases you may be required to disclose the fact that you have an illness; if, for example: [Read more]

What are the accommodation rights and responsibilities of employers, employees, and unions?

The employee should:

• Tell the employer that they require accommodation because of a disability and, to the greatest extent possible, set out the type of accommodation needed. The employee does not necessarily have to advise the employer as to the specific nature of the disability, but they do have to provide enough information so that the employer can understand the accommodation needed.
• If requested, provide supporting documentation from a health care provider or other person in order to assist the employer in developing an appropriate accommodation.
• Work with the employer (and union, where applicable) to determine an appropriate accommodation. This includes working with any experts the employer has retained to assist with the accommodation.
• Meet all relevant job requirements and standards once the accommodation has been provided.
• Continue to work with the employer to ensure the accommodation remains effective.