to refuse to answer job interview questions relating to childcare?

[UnexpectedlySingle]

I'm a single parent trying to get back to work after 7 years as a SAHM, but in virtually every job interview I've had I've been grilled about what childcare provision I would have in place if I got the job, even asked about my marital status, ages and number of my children! I am fairly sure they are not allowed to ask this (would they ask a man??). I have
not had any job offers yet and I am wondering if refusing to answer these questions would work in my favour or not. Opinions please?

[UnexpectedlySingle]

Ooo good point carabos, that's encouraging

[RhondaJean]

Right it's not discriminatory as such to ask(I've had rows on here before for saying its illegal to ask, it isn't but it's easier to explain as that!)

It is however illegal for them to use that information to make a recruitment decision and as there isn't really any other reason why it would be asked, it's practically question number 1 on the "list of stupid things to ask as an employer".

I would challenge every employer who asked as to why they wanted the information and what they were going to do with that information. But that's just me.

Btw change your cv to "caring responsibilities" and if they ask about it, say you were developing a range of skills including empathy and the ability to work und pressure.

[UnexpectedlySingle]

One issue I am having at the moment is I am looking for fulltime work but due to lack of childcare provision at the school I can't get any out of school care for tues/weds/thurs. I guess I could try paying a local parent. I am actually thinking of moving house to another area for this reason.

[mysteryfairy]

You don't need any dates on your cv as it could lead to age discrimination. So you don't have to reference the gap. However in my 30s I told people that I had three children, what my childcare was (pretty solid as DH worked from home through the primary school years) and that I definitely wouldn't have any more. Shouldn't have to do that but in the real world it does work if you confront it head on and reassure them you will be reliable.

[Sadoldbag]

Have you tried a childminder ???

[StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes]

actually this is not allowed, asking marital status is unlawful as its a protected characteristic under the equality act. Asking about childcare is indirect discrimination against gender, you could take them to a tribunal.

[UnexpectedlySingle]

Don't CVs have to have dates on?

Yes I have tried childminders, there is one only who picks up from the school and she is retiring in a couple of months! I've rung round all the local ones, every one, and they have all said they could pick up from other schools and can't accommodate me.

[Sadoldbag]

Yes step away she could but she still wouldn't get the job and to be honest I thought the laws in regards to taking employers to tribunals had changed

[RhondaJean]

Sorry was just focusing on asking about children.

[UnexpectedlySingle]

that should have read "ONLY pick up from other schools"

[Hissy]

Look for a childminder! There will be other parents at school that use them, there should be a childminding coordinator.

You will find someone to help you!

[UnexpectedlySingle]

No childminders Hissy!

[UnexpectedlySingle]

I've even spoken to the woman who runs a local group of them. No-one for their school.

[ProfPlumSpeaking]

I guess if they are not allowed to use the information that you provide as a basis for a decision, it's tempting to just fib: airily "Oh, I have a full time live in nanny". What can they do when (?if) they discover that not to be true?

(Not really a serious suggestion as lying is probably fairly not a characteristic they want in employees..)

[RabbitRabbit78]

They really are not allowed to ask - so I would lie I am a terrible person though and say that I have no kids, no plans for any. None of their business anyway, but being evasive just pisses them off and makes them suspicious. So play the game, get the job (hopefully), and there can't be any come back when they eventually find out because they are not supposed to ask or base any decisions on your answers in the first place but like I said I am a terrible person

[Sadoldbag]

Yes rabbit lie and then comes the day when her CHILDREN are ill and she needs to go home early then what



Personally if your single you need employers on board I would tackle head on like others have said

Say you have children but have secured solid childcare and there support would only make you would harder and be more loyal

[AnUnearthlyChild]

I have said this before, but DH is a SAHD. When applying for jobs he has often been asked about child care.

The last time he just told them that the details were none of their business but they could rest assured that appropriate arrangements were in place.

He got the job.

[PiratePanda]

You can't stop them asking - it could indeed be construed as discriminatory but what are you going to do in the interview? They'll always be able to make up give other reasons why they turned you down.

If they ask, just give a very short answer "Yes, I have excellent childcare arranged to cover the hours required" (even if you don't yet: you will if you get the job!). And refuse to engage with follow up questions except with monosyllables.

If they're going to ask questions that are unethical and possibly illegal then you can be preliminary about your childcare arrangements.

[plutarch14]

If someone asked me if I was going to have more kids, I would definitely say 'no', thus putting myself first in the queue for the job against all the women who refused to answer. If I then got pregnant after they offered me the job it would be their tough shit.

Something being discriminatory and being able to PROVE that something is discriminatory in court are very different things. Would you be able to prove that a) they asked you the question and b) it influenced their decision not to appoint? Would anyone really risk going through the stress of a tribunal on such flimsy evidence? It is harder than it used to be.

[Sadoldbag]

Sorry op please ignore that advice this is a employers market often there are 100 s or people chasing every job and I don't think telling a manger to mind there own bees wax would In dear you to anyone there are

ways or answering with out answering

[maddening]

try local nurseries too - one ds was at did pick ups from several schools locally and ran an afterschool club in a separate room to the little ones.

[scottishmummy]

can you have a neutral I have made adequate arrangements answer
Given you've already explained gaps as raising your family
I don't know if they're allowed to ask.ive never been asked

[UnexpectedlySingle]

this is all really helpful, thanks.

maddening - yep have rung the local nurseries. have rung them all. I'm in a rural area and childcare is crap. think I'm going to have to move house.

[StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes]

not suggesting you would but just clarifying the misconceptions here. If asked the best response is an airy, oh no problems there my childcare is covered. if asked again say, my arrangements for childcare will not impact on my work in the same way that I am sure it doesn't for any other parents you employ. if the marital status comes up or a third question about childcare then the best response is ' I am concerned about your continued questions, it is starting to sound very discriminatory, do you have a problem employing parents'?

[StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes]

true, tribunal would not get you a job but would set a marker to the employer that its not on to discriminate which is what they are doing. see post above which suggests that its not obvious answer just that she could do it, better to challenge at the actual interview. sorry not aware of any changes though happy to be proved wrong. what have they changed to? worried I am giving wrong advice.