Your HIV infection does not usually stand in the way of a normal working day. You can also pursue any profession with an HIV infection. Whether in care, child and youth work or catering, all jobs are open to you.
Employers are also not allowed to force you to take an HIV test or ask you about your HIV status during a job interview. If they do, you do not have to answer truthfully.
You are not obliged to disclose your HIV infection to your employer or colleagues. If you nevertheless decide to "come out" as HIV-positive, this is courageous and can also be a relief. However, remember that you cannot undo your HIV coming out. In addition to positive reactions and support, you may also experience discrimination. In these cases, you can turn to your regional AIDS service organisation and the "HIV-related discrimination" contact point of Deutsche AIDS-Hilfe.
Further information about your rights and options as an HIV-positive person can be found on our page www.hiv-diskriminierung.de.
My rights in the workplace
Silke Eggers, speaker and expert on labour law at Deutsche AIDS-Hilfe, presents the legal facts on HIV in the workplace.
Can my employer dismiss me? What laws protect me as an employee? And do I have to come out at all?
