Moving home or job

The reasons for moving home or job are usually positive. But it can be traumatic, so get good advice.

If you or one of the family has HIV, remember that stress affects your health, and can affect your immune system. Take time, find ways to relax and pace yourself. Don’t neglect yourself and your well-being.

Starting a new job

If you’re starting a new job, remember:

  • An employer is not allowed to ask you to complete a health questionnaire prior to offering you a job
  • You are not required to tell an employer that you have HIV
  • Disability legislation protects you in your job and gives you rights to ‘reasonable adjustments’ in your job
  • You cannot be dismissed for having HIV
  • Try to schedule hospital check-ups to fit with your job if possible, but do not miss appointments
  • Take your medications even if you’re at work, find a place and time that suits you

Moving home

If you are moving home within Scotland, from elsewhere in the United Kingdom or from overseas:

  • Before leaving your existing area, ask your doctor to refer you to the HIV clinic closest to your new home.
  • Remember to ask your existing clinic for at least three months’ supply of medications before leaving
  • Emergency treatment, sexual health checks and HIV testing are all free. HIV medications from your NHS HIV clinic should be free of charge to you. Do not delay HIV testing, sexual health screening or registering with your HIV clinic for fear of payment charges
  • Keep taking your medications as prescribed despite the pressure of moving. Don’t miss doses
  • Make a clinic appointment and attend your new specialist HIV treatment service
  • Take any medications or other information and documents with you to your appointment
  • Ask about registering with a General Practitioner (GP), and register early because your GP will often be the first contact for you and your family for health care
  • If you are on methadone for a drug problem, then you must register with a General Practitioner for a prescription to take to the local chemist or pharmacy. If you need clean needles and syringes for injecting, find your nearest exchange. Visit Scottish Drug Services for more information
  • If your child has to move school, check Learn Teach Scotland's Parent Zone and NAT's school information
  • Contact a local voluntary agency as they will be able to provide you with any other information
  • If you’re moving to the UK from overseas and coming to live in Scotland, you can check your entitlements to health care
  • There is information on the Scottish Government website. Do not be deterred from seeking specialist health care, as clinics are professional, welcoming and treatment is free. See Scottish Government Overseas Visitors FAQs
  • Of interest may be the NAT report from 2009 looking at the impact housing on the health and well-being of people living with HIV. Download here as a PDF. [PDF - 2MB]

Service finder

You can use our Service finder when trying to find the closest placeto you that you can get help from.

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Who to tell & how

Eventually you will need to tell someone you are HIV positive. Pick someone you know you can trust, someone you feel confident in, and make sure you have considered how to deal with their reaction.

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Growing older

People with HIV are living longer and healthier lives. HIV is no longer the death sentence it once was. Life expectancy is becoming closer to that of people without HIV.

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