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Is it acceptable to ask a potential employee their age?
Comments
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There's a part of me which has some sympathy with that recruiter who hadn't been trained, BUT it astonishes me that in this day and age people aren't aware through news items etc that there is legislation in place. Even if you don't know the detail BEFORE you start recruiting, surely you'd look into it then?
Yes, you are exactly right. But why do companies often force employees into this position? People don't know what they don't know. To my mind the responsibility lies with the company who doesn't meet their obligation in having trained staff to carry out the job. Sadly, it's the employee - and candidate- who often carries the can.0 -
If the woman was out to get your girlf for age discrimination at this early stage, seems to me a good indicator that she would be "one of those" who tried and claims compensation for anything. If she slipped on the wet floor after mopping herself, it cos there was no wet floor sign, for example...
In my opinion, this age discrimination law seems a bit extreme! Sometimes, a younger person just would not be suitable for the job - with age comes experience and maturity, some jobs require extensive experience and knowledge which you just could not have at a young age. And conversely, sometimes an older person may not be able to do a job that a younger person would be able to do - for example due to fitness, eyesight, hearing, etc... Although I suppose those points are not directly proportional to age in every case, age is still a reasonable indicator.0 -
There's a part of me which has some sympathy with that recruiter who hadn't been trained, BUT it astonishes me that in this day and age people aren't aware through news items etc that there is legislation in place. Even if you don't know the detail BEFORE you start recruiting, surely you'd look into it then?
The very first item I bought when I was made a manger was an employment law book; and I printed out and took home the disciplinary and grievance procedure and read both from start to finish. I then trawled through the other company policies and procedures; as I had inherited some staff that needed 'working on' shall we say. It was hard going but so worth it in the end.0 -
age is still a reasonable indicator.
NO IT ISN'T! I've employed over 60s with the health and faculties of a 20 year old, and 20 year olds who don't have the energy/motivation to work a full week(no obvious health problems). Age is not an indicator. Sex, race, religion and age are not predictors of job suitability. There is still too much prejudice around. The best person for the job is the best person for the job.
I'm in my 40s and I have a hearing problem. Personally, I've taken the responsibility personally to ensure that I can still carry out my job. I know there will come a time when I have to inform my employer.(being able to listen and hear is a big component of what I do) I'm putting that off because I know assumptions will be made.
Geez, I also wear lenses/glasses. Just as well I can still do the splits or you would have me consigned to the scrap heap!0 -
NO IT ISN'T! I've employed over 60s with the health and faculties of a 20 year old, and 20 year olds who don't have the energy/motivation to work a full week(no obvious health problems). Age is not an indicator. Sex, race, religion and age are not predictors of job suitability. There is still too much prejudice around. The best person for the job is the best person for the job.
I'm in my 40s and I have a hearing problem. Personally, I've taken the responsibility personally to ensure that I can still carry out my job. I know there will come a time when I have to inform my employer.(being able to listen and hear is a big component of what I do) I'm putting that off because I know assumptions will be made.
Geez, I also wear lenses/glasses. Just as well I can still do the splits or you would have me consigned to the scrap heap!
Fair enough... I did say....
which in light of what you have just said, seems to now make more sense than the last few words!Although I suppose those points are not directly proportional to age in every case0 -
You're old:D
(late 40's or 50's???)
Correct!
I receive my State Retirement Pension in January 2010:beer: and am 58 at the moment.:rotfl::rotfl:
I come from Newbridge too! ......(the West Midlands, not Wales).(AKA HRH_MUngo)
Member #10 of £2 savers club
Imagine someone holding forth on biology whose only knowledge of the subject is the Book of British Birds, and you have a rough idea of what it feels like to read Richard Dawkins on theology: Terry Eagleton0 -
If the woman was out to get your girlf for age discrimination at this early stage, seems to me a good indicator that she would be "one of those" who tried and claims compensation for anything. If she slipped on the wet floor after mopping herself, it cos there was no wet floor sign, for example...
In my opinion, this age discrimination law seems a bit extreme! Sometimes, a younger person just would not be suitable for the job - with age comes experience and maturity, some jobs require extensive experience and knowledge which you just could not have at a young age. And conversely, sometimes an older person may not be able to do a job that a younger person would be able to do - for example due to fitness, eyesight, hearing, etc... Although I suppose those points are not directly proportional to age in every case, age is still a reasonable indicator.
I disagree on every level with that! Having now worked with a wide variety of people, all ages and sexes. I am 25 and some of the people I have worked with aged 16 all the way up to 65 have been terrible! I had more work sense, common sense, maturity then them when I was 15! It has nothing to do with age, just the type of person you are. But where you do require experience or specific knowledge, the age discrimination laws don't stop you asking for that.
Age discrimination came in to place to stop people being prejudice.Debt free since July 2013! Woo hoo! The bank actually laughed when I said I have come in to cancel my overdraft.0 -
I'm sure I've been asked both age and status in interviews, I'll have answered honestly...Never had a problem with it...0
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Although I suppose those points are not directly proportional to age in every case, age is still a reasonable indicator.
That is why we have discrimination laws - a contradiction in the same sentence!
How can age be a reasonable indicator if those points are not directly proportional to age in every case? :rolleyes:I consider myself to be a male feminist. Is that allowed?0 -
surreysaver wrote: »That is why we have discrimination laws - a contradiction in the same sentence!
How can age be a reasonable indicator if those points are not directly proportional to age in every case? :rolleyes:
I'm only young, got a lot to learn!
:j 0
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