Are they allowed to ask me this in an interview??!

LookAfterThePennies_4

I have just been to a job interview at a very well known financial services company.One of the questions they asked me was if I "have any kids on the way" (their wording not mine) Then they went on to ask if I planned to have any.I was under the impression that they weren't allowed to ask this, if anyone knows the official line on this I'd be interested to find out, Thanks.

Louise1521

Sorry, pressed thanks instead of replying.

No, they're not allowed to ask you questions like that.

TheWaltons_3

I don't know, probably not but I think it is a fair enough question, don't you?

After all, if you were pregnant, and going on Mat Leave in, for example, 6 months or whatever, they could be liable to sort out your Maternity Leave etc etc and have to do this for 12 months.

Scarlett1

thats discrimination and they wouldnt have asked you that if you were a guy, you should have aked them does it depend on the answer you give whether you get the job or not :mad:

HelzBelz

"Any kids on the way" is probably a valid question, as depending on how long you'd be there before maternity, they could have to pay maternity leave, but really it's none of their business if you plan to have a family in the future, and I doubt they'd be asking male applicants the same questions.

bewildergirl

It might be worth a read of the EOC website

Specific pages pertaining to recruitment and selection

http://www.eoc.org.uk/Default.aspx?page=15345

Alexandria

Asking if you are pregnant is not accpetable, they would not have to pay you maternity pay if you were so they can't use this as an excuse. Additionaly even if empployed you don't have to tell your employer until quite far into the pregnancy anyway ..like far enough that it would be pointless! lol

LookAfterThePennies_4

They also asked about my marital status,I didn't think this was any of their business either as it certainly wouldn't impact upon my ability to do the job.It was when I replied that I'm married that they asked the kids question.The thing is I'm definitely not having any kids but don't think I should need to go into this at an interview.And you're right, I'm sure they wouldn't ask male applicants the same question.

TheWaltons_3

LookAfterThePennies wrote: »

They also asked about my marital status,I didn't think this was any of their business either as it certainly wouldn't impact upon my ability to do the job.It was when I replied that I'm married that they asked the kids question.The thing is I'm definitely not having any kids but don't think I should need to go into this at an interview.And you're right, I'm sure they wouldn't ask male applicants the same question

Oh well, there will be other jobs.

be_beaney

How rude! I am shocked at the interviewer!! But aside from this I would say you most definately have a case for discrimination if you do not get the job. I would consult ACAS and see what your rights are. I can't believe this still happens in 2007!!!! Do not accept this!!!!!

LookAfterThePennies_4

I should know by the end of today whether or not I've got through to the 2nd interview stage. I got the interview via a recruitment agency - is it worth telling them about my experience?