Can recruitment agency ask my age?

Sunny2

Hi I've just submitted my cv to a recruitment agency which does not include my age or date of birth. They were quick to respond by telephone and having asked various questions they e-mailed me asking for further details of current salary (which I had no problems answering) and dob. I thought asking age questions were no longer legal? Would be grateful if someone could let me know the situation. I'm in my mid 40s and although have fantastic experience in what I do, I guess I'm feeling vulnerable about my age, in what is a 'young' persons industry. Many thanks

Conor_3

It's actually not legal to ask. In fact, the law about this is so stupid that technically, they shouldn't ask when you attended school/college/uni or what qualifications you got at school as someone who puts down GCE or CSE is indicating they're at least 36 years old as 1987 was the last year they were done. They're technically not allowed to ask any question that may indicate your age.

cajef

You don't have to give them that information, however they may reserve the right not to take you on their books as a client if you are not prepared to volunteer what they deem to be necessary information, if in doubt ask them.

Sunny2

Thank you both. My CV covers 2 pages of work experience. I haven't included any education details as I felt that showing my achievements & management experience would be enough for the jobs I'm applying. Besides, mentioning O levels, A levels etc., would, as you mentioned, be a dead giveaway. I answered all the questions asked in the email by the recruitment agency, but ignored the DoB question. Do you think that was a mistake? It's been such a long time since I have applied for a new job through an agency and any advice is very welcome.

cajef

It may be to your advantage to let them know your age, nowadays the employment market is changing and some companies prefer to take on people with more experience and a good past employment record and do not take age into account, rather than taking on younger staff who may just be using positions as further stepping stones in their career.

I would wait and see what they come back to you with, when I have used agencies in the past if they want to take you on they have been more than happy to discuss any misgivings you may have.

cazziebo

Yes, they can ask your age. What they cannot do is use this information to discriminate against you. Many companies are removing these questions from the application process (forms/interviews etc) so that they can minimise potential discrimination/not get caught out.

You don't have to tell them. It is likely that the agency will be entering your details on a database and date of birth or age is one of these fields. I think if you were to say you would rather not say, and they made a fuss about it, they would be on dodgy ground. Agencies can often be more sensitive than the client companies, and recruitment consultants often know more up to date on the law.

Having said all that, I agree with cajef. Your age is more likely to be a plus than a minus - and the consultant would be able to advise you on that.

dmg24

cazziebo wrote: »

Yes, they can ask your age. What they cannot do is use this information to discriminate against you. Many companies are removing these questions from the application process (forms/interviews etc) so that they can minimise potential discrimination/not get caught out.

You don't have to tell them. It is likely that the agency will be entering your details on a database and date of birth or age is one of these fields. I think if you were to say you would rather not say, and they made a fuss about it, they would be on dodgy ground. Agencies can often be more sensitive than the client companies, and recruitment consultants often know more up to date on the law.

Having said all that, I agree with cajef. Your age is more likely to be a plus than a minus - and the consultant would be able to advise you on that.

cazziebo is correct. It is not illegal to ask, it is illegal to discriminate due to the age of the applicant.

Sunny2

thanks all - that's very helpful. Basically, I don't need to put age on my CV but if they ask for it, it shouldn't be a problem.

going2die_rich

Maybe the age question can help them pitch you to a an employer... older persons - very experienced so and so.... young person - young ambitious person looking to develop skills and work their way up.

PasturesNew

going2die_rich wrote: »

... older persons - very experienced so and so.... young person - young ambitious person looking to develop skills and work their way up.

This type of stereotyping is what the ageism laws are about, I believe.

An older person might equally have never worked (home maker) and be looking for their 1st/2nd job.

An older person can be equally as ambitious as a young person. And a young person can appear perky but really be idle.

The whole thing of the ageism laws is to not pre-judge or stereotype people based on age.

Sunny2

[The whole thing of the ageism laws is to not pre-judge or stereotype people based on age]

Unfortunately, I think this still happens regularly, especially in industries whereby the majority workforce are young, energetic etc., etc., I do feel like I'm close to the scrap heap at 47.