Employment application form - are these questions legal?

Kirri

SnowyOwl I think that is outrageous!! I would not want anyone apart from my doctor to have those details especially to (potentially gossipy) office staff with no medical training! Also people may be discriminated against for past illnesses that would no longer affect them.

Many years ago when offered a job, as part of the process I was asked for blood and urine samples by a company's on site medical centre, and they also wanted to know when my last period was, all of which I refused, though I said if they wanted a general fitness/health assessment I would go to my own GP - I was still taken on (though I had been working for them as a temp before they took me on permanent).

maninthestreet

I see nothing wrong about the smoking question - contrary to popular opinion, smokers have no legal protection from discrimination in employment matters.

cazziebo

I would also write not applicable to questions on marital status. I would answer the children question (not because it was any business of the potential employer, it just felt wrong to "deny" them!) I don't feel the not applicable response ever stopped me getting an interview.

I never ask about marital status, children or age during a recruitment process - they are not relevant. What I will stress is that some of our jobs entail a lot of time away from home. It's for the candidate to decide if the work is for them. Nationality isn't as relevant as the question "Do you have the right to work in the UK?"

I do always ask about smoking. This may anger some people, but I don't want visitors having to fight their way through a mob of smokers at the front door, I don't want someone coming in to our office or visiting our customers smelling of smoke and I don't want to be paying for people to nip out for ten minutes every couple of hours. I have hired smokers, but they have to have something to offer which is so valuable to cancel the smoking out.

farmerboy

!!!!!!, I can't see any problem in asking for your age/date of birth/married/not/kids ect. Most places I have applied to have asked this, and I think that alot see that you being married and having kids means you have serious financial commitments that mean you won't walk out on a whim.

On the age thing, if your advertising a job that requires a certain minimum age how do you know what age the applicant is. We had this once had a 19yrs old apply for a HGV drivers job (can't get the licence till your 21), his exp looked ok, but his age wasn't.

If your not happy with filling it in put 'not applicable' down and take your chance.

Vader123

The state wants to know all that (plus other personal things) if you claim benefits.

Presumably no one has a problem with that? So why this?

Vader

Kirri

farmerboy wrote: »

!!!!!!, I can't see any problem in asking for your age/date of birth/married/not/kids ect. Most places I have applied to have asked this, and I think that alot see that you being married and having kids means you have serious financial commitments that mean you won't walk out on a whim.

On the age thing, if your advertising a job that requires a certain minimum age how do you know what age the applicant is. We had this once had a 19yrs old apply for a HGV drivers job (can't get the licence till your 21), his exp looked ok, but his age wasn't.

If your not happy with filling it in put 'not applicable' down and take your chance.

It may be the case but it is more likely a woman will be discriminated against if she does have kids as more likely there could be issues with needing time off (more so than a man), that's why I think in this day and age this question should not be asked. Either way it's totally irrelevant to how someone can do a job surely?

I haven't seen questions like these in years!

Kirri

Vader123 wrote: »

The state wants to know all that (plus other personal things) if you claim benefits.

Presumably no one has a problem with that? So why this?

Vader

Well that is different in that you get different amounts if you are single/married/have kids/age - so you are not going to get discriminated against if you do have kids etc but in employment it is possible!

Paulos77

Every applilcation I have filled in over the years, since leaving school has had those questions as standard. I dont see any harm in them to be honest.

Kirri

Paulos77 wrote: »

Every applilcation I have filled in over the years, since leaving school has had those questions as standard. I dont see any harm in them to be honest.

I've only really worked in large, London companies and that hasn't been the case for me.

Am really surprised everyone thinks they are acceptable (especially women)..

pelirocco

I have just had to end someone employment at the end of their probation period . Had to run it through HR , they asked me his age , nationality , whether he was disabled , and if he was homosexual ! ...........this is to avoid claims of unfair dismissal , .the ability to do the job seems to be irrelevent ( insert roll eyes smiley ) !