Do HIV-positive employees have to reveal their condition?

Disclosure is one of the main HIV-related issues in the workplace. Employees worry about breaches of confidentiality if they reveal their status to their line manager or HR/Personnel officer.

HIV-positive employees do not have to reveal their HIV status. However disclosure can be beneficial.

Employees should not be pressurised to disclose HIV-related information, unless their HIV infection is affecting their ability to perform their job or there is a risk of transmission.

Selective disclosure is recommended and should be made to HR/Personnel officer, occupational health, line manager or whoever it is felt is most appropriate to be entrusted with the information.

Employers have a legal duty to safeguard the confidentiality of job applicant/employee's personal and medical information.