Legal

Do I have to provide medical evidence?

Privacy vs Proof. Why employers ask for GP letters and OH reports.

Why they ask

Employers are not doctors. They don’t know that “Fibromyalgia” means “Need an ergonomic chair”. They need Occupational Health (OH) or a GP to translate the diagnosis into workplace needs.

Can you refuse?

Yes, you can refuse consent for them to see your medical records. BUT: If you refuse, the employer can make decisions based on the limited information they have. They can say “We didn’t know you needed X, so we didn’t give it.”

Best Practice

Share the relevant info only. You don’t need to share your entire medical history—just a letter confirming the condition and its impact on your work.

Unsure about your specific situation?

Use our interactive tool to check if your request is likely to be considered unreasonable.

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