An Equal Opps Question

Horace

I was writing an application yesterday for a local catholic college and felt that their Equal Ops form was most invasive especially as they state that they employ people of all faiths and students don't have to be catholic. I was wondering at the legality of some of the questions being asked. I was asked to state my religion and my sexual orientation - needless to say I declined to answer this particular question because I don't see what my sexuality has to do with anything. I put my religion down as none because again I do not think that this is a lawful question.

Can someone confirm if these questions are lawful or not?

doodoot

I believe that it's Government requirement so that they can check on the demographics of who is applying for vacancies.

Personally I don't see why I need to say who/what I pray to or which of the sexes I prefer to have a relationships with...I too find it invasive.

Apparently these questions are kept separate and have no bearing on a job application, but I very much doubt that an employer will not glance at which boxes have been ticked.

Horace

It is madness - I thought the questions were too invasive too because my sexuality and religion have no bearing on my ability to do my job.

InsideInsurance

Just because its illegal to discriminate on something doesnt mean it is illegal to ask the question. Of cause in many cases if you cannot use the data to influence the decision then it is a little pointless to ask it in the first place because it just opens you up to the risk of being accused of discrimination.

That said, employers are asked to provide statistics on the diversity of their staff. It is therefore common to have a diversity questionnaire as part of the application process. Normally this is a separate part of the form and is detached and retained by HR prior to being handed to the hiring manager for review.

ILW

You will probably not get an interview though.