Asking for sexual orientation in new job form

[SauvingnonBlanketyBlanc]

Filled out new job application paperwork today and it asked this,I have no problem in anyone asking fwiw I'm straight it just seemed a bit strange.The job is in a school if that makes a difference.Can anyone shed any light?

Was there a box to tick stating none of your bloody business?

It's just for monitoring purposes. I assume they also asked for your race as well. There should always be a box to say you don't wish to answer.

Totally standard to have any employer collect this information. It should be held only on your HR record.

Don't all jobs ask this? It's just for monitoring and there's usually a "prefer not to say" box.

I think the purpose is so that they can show that they are an equal opportunities employer. All they'll do is tick the box when uploading you onto their HR system and keep it there as a record is any external auditor fancies a check.

There wasnt an option to decline,I was tempted to write sheep (joke)

It's for monitoring purposes so an employer can demonstrate equal opportunities. I don't get why some people refuse to answer on some kind of principle

I did answer

Not you OP

You should have said sheep! I wonder what they'd have done - not put you in charge of organising the Nativity play, anyway . .

God, sorry, that sounds a bit off. Apologies.

Was there a little star beside the question?
And at the bottom of the page, was there also a little star and the word optional beside it?
Like this
*What is your sexual orientation?

Bottom of page
*Optional

Bloodybridget I actually Lol'd at the nativity play hahahhahahaha