Is it legal for a job interviewer to ask personal questions (ie am i married, do i have kids) in the UK?
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Is it legal for a job interviewer to ask personal questions (ie am i married, do i have kids) in the UK?
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I had a job interview today and he asked me if i was married and if i had kids pretty much straight away. He barely asked about my previous jobs. I know i should have said something like "I'd rather not answer that" but i was truthful (married with two stepsons) I'm thinking this will go against me when it comes to the decision of whether I get the job. Do I have any comeback on this if i don't get the job? As i said i'm in the UK so would like to know the law on this in this country thanks
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midnitrondavu
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No, it's not. They are probably trying to get to know you better, but stepping over the boundaries. |
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careman1958
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with in reason a emplyer can ask almost anythink they like about you so that they can work out how much time off you would like i am single and i get asked the same thing!!!!! |
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feedymite
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Well, the way it works in Canada is probably similar... here the issue is that you aren't allowed to discriminate based on marital status, etc. I'm sure it's the same in the UK or any western country. So, an interviewer can be chatty and ask questions to be friendly, but if they're asking in such a way that you feel they are actually basing their decision to hire you on this information, then this discrimination is illegal, if not the questions themselves. Look up the Employment Act and you can probably find out for sure, as well as where to file a complaint if you believe there's a problem. |
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farplaces
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I would suggest you talk to someone in the UK at a UK employment office if wanting the correct answer.
In the USA, an application tells what personal information may be disclosed by your choice alone. Keep in mind also that borders are crossed relative to the position available for your interview.
For instance, if applying for a high management position, a person's successful home life reflects a person's ability to manage their life and would add credibility for their being hired. Even outside interests as sports participation or doing charity work would add credibility for being hired.
However, if the position is simply a low level hiring then little personal information need be forfeited beyond the basics such as drug and alcohol abuse or transportation requirements.
The difficulty with refusing to respond to personal questions and seemingly out of the ordinary requirements is that if you refuse to answer then you are sure to alienate the interviewer and will not get the position applied for...
In essence, it is a judgement call and only you must evaluate the job worth versus relinquishing personal data.
Even if a person can prove discrimination in hiring practices, it is a difficult case to win over as employers have more loophole escapes than most would ever expect...
So then, if not satisfied, make your judgement call and give a little or look elsewhere...
Good luck... |
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Voss
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I would have to say yes and no depending on the type of job you're applying for. What job are you applying for? What you do in your personal life should not matter in most jobs as long as it doesn't hinder your work performance. Course I've heard of people being fired because of things in personal life, like partying all the time possibly giving the company a bad name since you are a representative of that company. Here in Arizona it's "right to work state," an employer can fire you without giving you a reason just as you can quit without giving a reason. Now in other cases it may be necessary to ask such questions, especially if you're going for a position that could put you or your family in danger, undercover agents, government positions, etc. Marines who apply for "Yankee Whites," Presidential security in the Marine Corps have to answer a variety of questions like those. So I believe it really depends, if you're applying to work at McDonald's or some bookstore I really don't think it's relevant. I'd suggest contacting someone in the legal department in answering this question if you don't get hired, especially if they were only interested in your personal life more then your work history. |
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Goldiggar
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u may have watched the apprentice last year where the finalist had a problem, the fact that she would have to move houses and she also had two small children to look after, its possible that the employer was interested whether u would have difficulties doing the job properly if u would be constantly worried about ur kids even thought ur husband might be looking after them |
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Kay <3
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well, initially, personal information says much more of a person then that of an application form. things like being married, kids etc might mean to him that you may split your focus between work and family which is something to consider in hiring someone |
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Sensetsu E
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in the u.s. it is not legal. and im guessing its not in the u.k. just google it. but as far as i know, you dont have to answer. |
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John L
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yes it is asked all the time it is needed |
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