As the fixed term contract I was working on expired at the end of December, I've enjoyed lolling about the house ever since, waiting to be summoned back when they were supposedly getting some permanent positions approved some time January-ish.

Anyhoo, as those positions haven't yet materialised, finances prompted me to get off my bottom this week & find another job.

So, the thing is, I've been offered one to start on Tuesday, but when they called, they said they'd forgotten to discuss health at the interview, so will cover it off when I start.

I'm waiting for an operation, which could put me out of action for a few days or weeks, depending on how many glands need removing, and was told recently that the waiting list means it's likely to be 18 to 20 weeks before the op will happen.

So now, I don't know whether it's best to keep this to myself till the end of the 3 month trial period, or to be upfront about it, and offer to use time from the holiday allowance.

What would you wise people do?

Never ever lie Gilly - however, I would suggest never discussing confidential medical information anyway - its sacrosanct IMHO.

However, you are not a mystic medium (sorry if you are ) or a qualified medical doctor and unlikely to know your physical condition in 18 to 20 weeks time (probably longer knowing the NHS)so it would, in fact, be merely speculation. Contractually all they need to know now is your ability to work now and whether the workplace may restrict that ability, so they can make adequate measures to mitigate any restrictions etc. Any time you may have to take medical leave in the future which is covered by statutory sick pay etc.

Disclaimer: Not to be construed as legal advice and is just this opinionated twonks musings.

Just my view.........
There was a time, in my 'yoof', I'd have given them advance notice. Now, with uncertain hospital waiting times, uncertain employment market -I'd say nothing.

Consider if you started the job in full health- and then through no fault of your own, you became ill in the first few weeks and needed an op? The employer wouldn't have had advance notice in those circumstances.

I think I would be honest but it is easy to say that sitting here not being the one looking for work. Perhaps tell them the half truth that you are awaiting an op with a few days recovery time and you are willing to take that as holiday and that the op is likely to be in 18-20 weeks time. A couple of days off shouldnt be a deal breaker.

Either way congrats on being offered a position and hope the op when it does happen goes well and you have a speedy recovery

Well done!

I'd say much the same...its nobody's business but yours and were you to fall ill ordinarily, you wouldn't have been able to give them notice. It's likely they'll try every trick in the book to get you to work for next to nothing anyway....so, fuck 'em.

Like you say, if/when it happens, you can always offer to cover it with your holiday 'allowance' , so you can't really be much fairer than that.