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Application asking re maternity....

10 replies

LoveBeingAMummy · 08/03/2010 20:05

I'm completing an application for a job and in the emplyment history section it asks to list and time on maternity leave. I didn't think was allowed as it would leave them open to sex discrimation. Can anyone shed any light on this for me. (FYI its a times top 100 employers companies, part of a MASSIVE group)

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ilovemydogandmrobama · 08/03/2010 20:15

Interesting. If one is on maternity leave, then still employed. Sickness obviously would be a different issue and some companies do ask about time off sick over past 2 years.

But would be discriminatory.

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flowerybeanbag · 08/03/2010 20:17

Can't think of any good non-discriminatory reason to ask tbh.

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LoveBeingAMummy · 08/03/2010 20:23

Thanks ladies, thats what I thought. It says "If you have not worked due to ....maternity...."

The hours of the job are aimed at working mums and even the telephone interviewer commented re hours allowing you to do the school run i would certainly not hae been allowed to ahve made such a comment. I know a few people who have worked from them and have heard only good things re the [low] level i am applying for, maybe i don't need to worry unless i decide to go for promotion.

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RibenaBerry · 09/03/2010 07:54

Yes, weird.

Only good reason I can think of is if it's an area where you need ongoing CPD or other training to remain qualified - i.e. if they need to check that a vital professional qualification has been kept valid throughout.

That's clutching at straws a bit though.

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ilovemydogandmrobama · 09/03/2010 08:48

Could they have been meaning to ask for gaps in employment and in their attempt to be understanding about women on maternity leave, they have made it a separate category?

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LoveBeingAMummy · 09/03/2010 10:26

No its in with the emplyment history.

" if you ahve not worked due to unemployment, maternity, a career break or education, please include this information."

There wouldn't be a gap as it would be covered in my employed between dates.

Not sure whether to leave it out or put it on. Guess I could always sue for sex discrimination if i don't get the job if i include it

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flowerybeanbag · 09/03/2010 10:37

I wouldn't put it on. Much better case for sex discrimination if you get the job and they later try to sack you for not putting it on...

It's not relevant to your ability to do the job so don't put it on and allow it to cloud their impression of you and your skills and experience.

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LoveBeingAMummy · 09/03/2010 10:45

Thanks flowery

Like I say I believe that they are trying to attract mums into the work place given the hurs avilable, but you are right I won't put it on.

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RibenaBerry · 09/03/2010 11:50

Now I've seen the whole thing, is it just incredibly badly worded? Are they getting at something akin to a career break - i.e. if there is a gap in your employment history because one job ended and you didn't start another immediately because of a small baby?

Or am I grasping at straws?

I'd agree to leave it off.

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LoveBeingAMummy · 10/03/2010 12:08

Thanks everyoen. I left it off. Attended the assessment centre yesterday and didn't mention it. Have a feeling am going to be offered the job, tbh I don't really want to work there apart from the money Had a letter today for an interview to work in a sure start centre which is the job I would prefer so keep your fingers crossed.