Can an employer ask this?

FOX_HOUND

Murtle wrote: »

Why jump to conclusions and not ask your boss for clarity? Why is a question about menstruation so abhorrent?

A man asking a young woman in a closed room referring to her 'cycle'. Personally, I see a big problem in it.

thistledome

Men can't win nowadays. Poor old duffer was probably mortified at asking, but thinks it'd be non-pc to ignore your Women's Problems.

If such a harmless question is really illegal, then the world's gone mad.

poet123

shoppingnoodles wrote: »

Hi there.

A few days ago during a review, my male employer, who is in his 70's, asked me if "at certain times of the month" I had difficulties at work. Frankly, I was really shocked and embarrassed by this.

Is it legal for an employer to ask a question about menstruation? If it isn't, what law does it breach?

Thank you for your help.

FOX_HOUND wrote: »

A man asking a young woman in a closed room referring to her 'cycle'. Personally, I see a big problem in it.

No reference to "cycle", no reference to closed room, no reference to the OP's age. You are making your own assumptions here.

Murtle

FOX_HOUND wrote: »

A man asking a young woman in a closed room referring to her 'cycle'. Personally, I see a big problem in it.

I don't, I don't see why subjects have to be considered so taboo that people can't ask questions.

LadyMissA

thistledome wrote: »

Men can't win nowadays. Poor old duffer was probably mortified at asking, but thinks it'd be non-pc to ignore your Women's Problems.

If such a harmless question is really illegal, then the world's gone mad.

Would a woman asking a man if he was 'getting enough' be acceptable? That may be a case for a man in the office not doing his work well.......I bet it wouldn't be so why do people always seem to think that it's 'womens problems' every month

LadyMissA

Murtle wrote: »

I don't, I don't see why subjects have to be considered so taboo that people can't ask questions.

because if you have a period/menstral cycle problem it's personal

FOX_HOUND

poet123 wrote: »

No reference to "cycle", no reference to closed room, no reference to the OP's age. You are making your own assumptions here.

You wouldn't carry out a review in public, would you? Referring to times of the month. This is madness.

Murtle

LadyMissA wrote: »

because if you have a period/menstral cycle problem it's personal

I do (did) and I don't.

ETA: when people take time off sick for a cold or whatever they are happy to say the reason why. The first day, years ago when I started work, I took off sick was due to my periods. My manager asked what was wrong, so I told him, I don't see what the difference between menstrual problems or a cold or diarrhea they are all illnesses.

LadyMissA

Murtle wrote: »

I do (did) and I don't.

ETA: when people take time off sick for a cold or whatever they are happy to say the reason why. The first day, years ago when I started work, I took off sick was due to my periods. My manager asked what was wrong, so I told him, I don't see what the difference between menstrual problems or a cold or diarrhea they are all illnesses.

but the OP hasn't said she has taken time off sick - this was just a question put to her

FOX_HOUND

Murtle wrote: »

I do (did) and I don't.

ETA: when people take time off sick for a cold or whatever they are happy to say the reason why. The first day, years ago when I started work, I took off sick was due to my periods. My manager asked what was wrong, so I told him, I don't see what the difference between menstrual problems or a cold or diarrhea they are all illnesses.

The pertinent point is that the OP does see something wrong with it.