References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
In almost all cases, you do not have to tell an employer in the UK that you are living with HIV. HIV is classed as a disability from diagnosis under the Equality Act 2010, which gives you strong protection from discrimination. The only exceptions involve a very small number of exposure-prone procedure roles in healthcare, and even those rules have recently been relaxed for people on effective treatment.
Here’s what the law says and what it means for you at work.
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The Default Rule: You Don’t Have to Tell
For the overwhelming majority of jobs, there is no legal requirement to disclose HIV to your employer at any stage — not at application, not during medical checks, and not during employment. Employers cannot require you to disclose, cannot share your status with others, and cannot use your status as a reason to treat you less favourably.
Exceptions: Exposure-Prone Procedures
A small number of roles in healthcare involve “exposure-prone procedures” — surgical and dental work where sharp instruments could transfer blood from a worker’s wound to a patient. Historically, people with HIV were barred from these roles. Rules have since been updated so that healthcare workers with HIV who are on effective treatment and have a sustained undetectable viral load can now perform most exposure-prone procedures, subject to monitoring.
| Job Type | Do You Need to Disclose? |
|---|---|
| Most office and customer-facing jobs | No |
| Teaching, social care, retail, hospitality | No |
| Manual and construction work | No |
| General healthcare roles | No |
| Specific exposure-prone procedures (surgery, dentistry) | Occupational health disclosure required — monitored practice allowed |
What About Application Forms?
Most job applications in the UK cannot ask about health before a job offer is made, under the Equality Act. After a conditional offer, some roles may require occupational health clearance. You still do not need to disclose HIV unless it is directly relevant to safe performance of the job, which is rare.
If You Do Choose to Disclose
Some people tell their employer voluntarily — for example, to request flexible hours for clinic appointments. If you do disclose:
- Consider telling occupational health first — their advice is confidential
- Only share what you are comfortable sharing
- Ask for confidentiality in writing
- Know that your employer must make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act
If You’re Discriminated Against
If you think HIV-related discrimination has happened:
- Keep a written record of incidents
- Raise it with HR or your manager in writing
- Contact ACAS for workplace advice
- Speak to Terrence Higgins Trust or the HIV Legal Service
- Employment tribunal claims usually need to be started within 3 months
Read more: Disclosing your HIV status | HIV and the Equality Act | UK law on HIV confidentiality
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employer ask about HIV in an interview?
No. UK law prohibits pre-employment health enquiries except in very limited circumstances. You do not need to answer questions about HIV status.
What happens if occupational health asks about HIV?
Occupational health is bound by medical confidentiality and will usually only share whether you are fit for the role, not your specific diagnosis. You can ask to speak to them in confidence about any concerns.
Can I be sacked for having HIV?
No. Dismissal because of HIV status is unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act 2010 and can be challenged at an employment tribunal.
Related reading
- Disclosing Your HIV Status: Who, When and How
- Can You Get Chlamydia From Kissing?
- Can You Get Herpes From Kissing?
- Health Insurance for People with HIV in the UK
- Healthy Eating for People Living with HIV
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
