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A Christchurch man who says he was sacked by the Fire Service when it learnt of his history of mental illness has started a petition to get his job back.
Marc Lidiard, formerly of the Christchurch Brigade, said his contract was terminated because he failed to declare he had been treated for depression prior to joining the service.
"I have worked for the Fire Service for the last six years and I have been told I have become an outstanding fire fighter.
"The sad thing is that I was told that had I declared this information on my application form I would not have been considered."
Mr Lidiard said he was a victim of prejudice.
"There is not one blemish on my active firefighter's record and yet they still continue to push through a termination of contract," he said.
A spokesman for the New Zealand Fire Service said the case was a private and confidential employment matter.
"If the firefighter concerned is dissatisfied with the decision by New Zealand Fire Service they have legal remedies to address the dissatisfaction," he said.
WorkFirst employment consultant Nikki Porteous said it was illegal to dismiss anyone on the grounds of mental illness.
Referring to information from the Human Rights Commission, Ms Porteous said an employer had no right to ask for personal medical information.
"A job applicant should be made aware of the job's requirements then asked about any medical conditions or disabilities that might prevent them from carrying out the work satisfactorily."
A lot of people choose not to disclose their history due to stigma surrounding mental illness, she said.
"It's a real barrier (mental illness), getting into the workforce, but employment law really helps people keep their jobs."
- NZPA
