Discrimination? Reference asking about parental leave

[GotMyGoat]

I'm starting a new job in a few weeks, and my current boss has just shown me a copy of the reference request form my new employers have sent.

On this form amongst normal stuff about my character competency and skills is a request asking if I have taken any parental leave, and if so how much. Interestingly, there is no question about sick leave which I would have expected.

Is it legal for them to ask about my parental leave? (9 months maternity leave, and 1 day dependents unpaid leave in 2 years employment) I can't imagine any situation where this information would be used without discriminating against me.

Is this a normal request?

[CokeFan]

Aren't you entitled to request a certain amount of unpaid leave up until your child is 5 or something? Maybe they just want to know how much you've already taken.

[flowery]

Perfectly legal, and important. You get 18 weeks parental leave in total for each child, so your new employer needs to know how much you have taken.

They don't need to know about maternity leaves or emergency dependence leave, and they haven't asked about them.

[GotMyGoat]

Oh I see, thank you very much flowery and coke - I was getting muddled up. I think my manager was going to tell them about my maternity leave - can I ask that he doesn't then as I haven't taken any 'Parental leave'.

Thanks!

[Xenia]

Yes, do in writing/email make sure the employer knows the question is nothing to do with maternity leave and he should not be giving any information about that, just parental leave.

[flowery]

Yes make sure your boss understands the question and doesn't give information they have not asked for and don't want.