No workplace policy on Hepatitis C

January 2015

Maria* applied for a job with a government agency, in a position where medical testing was required.

After taking the required tests, she was informed she tested positive for Hepatitis C.

Maria gave her results to her employer, who then requested she undertake further medical testing. Maria was able to start training for the position while she waited for the results.

After several months of testing, Maria’s results indicated she was infectious. Her employer stopped her training because they claimed Maria would be unable to fulfil the full range of duties required of the position.

Maria made a complaint with ADNSW of disability discrimination because of her infectious disease.

She said her employer should have had an existing workplace policy on Hepatitis C and told her prior to training that she may not be eligible for the position.

The matter was resolved when the employer agreed to assist Maria in finding a new position where her medical condition would not be an issue.

*Name has been changed to protect the privacy of the individual.