To think this shouldn't be asked in an interview

[MangawhaiHeads]

My friend recently started job hunting and was told about a particular job by a recruitment agent. The company in question were really interested in her after seeing her CV and she had a first interview last week. During the course of it the interviewer said 'I am probably not allowed ask/this is probably illegal but are you a mum?' When my friend said yes there wasn't any issue, on the contrary lots of positive things said about working mums. She was invited back for a second interview where her motherhood was again brought up, again in a positive way. She learned this week that she didn't get the job which is really disappointing for her, she has all the experience and her qualifications are spot on. She had had a great vibe from both interviews but now is concerned that the company was put off by the fact that she has a two year old and may well have another. I don't know but am I wrong to think that your family situation should not come up in an interview?

I think it may be illegal to ask that question even if you ask all the candidates, but can't remember the logic - something to do with the fact that in majority of families, women tend to do more childcare

Redwine you're right to think it doesn't matter if they ask men AND women the question, though I don't know if it's illegal. Imagine if a telephone interview involved asking candidates what colour they are - the fact that both black and white people were asked wouldn't make it ok! The Equality and Human Rights Commission has a helpline that would give advice on whether she'd have a case.