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?

[coco44]

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

..then you go home early as is your legal right under emergency time off for dependants.

[Wibblypiglikesbananas]

It's appalling that they ask.

My DM was asked this in 1986 at an interview for a teaching role (she'd been doing supply at the same school and they'd asked her to apply). She did not mince her words telling the headmaster that childcare for my younger siblings was none of his concern. She still got the job and spent the next twenty years there - so there's hope yet.

[MsPickle]

Agree with pp that it's a daft question but only illegal if the information is used to make the decision. That said, people hire people. They want to know why people are moving. Realistic time frames with regards to start dates etc. As an interviewer I've had to ask SAHP why return now etc so I've a handle on their story and motivation. Same way I ask why people are leaving a current role. And I want candidates to be thinking things through properly. How would a commute work for them? If it's a role within a firm with an overtime culture are they up for the long hours or would somewhere else be better? So treat it as them just wanting to hear how keen you are on the role. An answer like "as a family we're all ready for my return and I've arrangements ready to go with 2 weeks notice" or similar answers all the unsaid as well as said.

(And having been made redundant on mat leave with no.2 and just gone through this, starting a new job on Monday I've been on both sides!)

[StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes]

that was in response to Sadoldbag things are moving too quickly for my poor slow typing so my posts are all out of sync

[UnexpectedlySingle]

I'd say the vast majority have all asked - and I've had a fair few interviews now.

[UnexpectedlySingle]

It sounds like I need to see if the childcare issue can be sorted before I go to any full-time interviews then, then I can go with confidence knowing I will have it sorted. Although can't book any places where there IS provision until I have a definite job offer - chicken and egg!

[Catsize]

Pretty sure this can't be asked. And no, they wouldn't ask a bloke.
Could always say 'Is this a trick question?'.

[caramelwaffle]

Try re posting this in MN Legal.

[AnnieLobeseder]

I know at our work (Govt supported research council) they have to ask all the candidates exactly the same questions. So I would hope they're asking everyone this.

It's a stupid question though. As if anyone would say "well, I don't have any childcare in place so I'll have to wing it and will be absent loads". Of course everyone will say they have it covered!

I would second the suggestion that you give a generic "I have appropriate arrangements in place" response. You don't need to actually have it sorted, as long as you're reasonably confident that you will be able to get something organised once you're offered a position.

[plutarch14]

Honestly, just tell them its sorted (but don't give details). See if you get the job, then see what child care is available.

[TheDoctrineOfSnatch]

What are you currently saying in reply?

[TheDoctrineOfSnatch]

I think it's legally ok to ask but even if it's not - what OP wants is a job, not a tribunal case, so practical ways to handle the question as several have suggested seem the most helpful.

[FudgefaceMcZ]

YANBU and it is in fact illegal, but that doesn't stop them as realistically who's going to bother with a tribunal over it, with all the expense and stress just to be told they shouldn't have done it but aren't liable for any expenses as you might not have got the job anyway. However, you should feel free to say 'I don't believe my childcare arrangements have any bearing on my ability to perform this role' and if they press it further then tell them that the line of questioning is illegal, because tbh at that point they are probably not going to give you a job anyway. I got this a few times before getting current post and it really put me off ever working for those employers even if they offered me something great in the future, as it gives the impression of being a 1950s work culture without respect for modern equality standards (you can bet they don't ask dads about childcare- my ex never was!) Current job is great, has a high % of women working there and generally a great culture wrt family and life balance, and most people working there are very happy as a result. It's an employers market at the minute but it won't always be and they're doing themselves damage losing out on your skills through their prejudice!

[UnexpectedlySingle]

At the moment I'm being very honest (probably too honest) saying there are out of school clubs, holiday clubs, childminders and their dad is around (even tho he lives 50 miles away and only has them weekends!!)

[UnexpectedlySingle]

I do think it can be a good gauge for finding out how family friendly they are though? The last one asked how I'd manage to be at my desk for 9am every morning as holiday clubs round here don't start till 9am. I called them back the following week and was told the woman who interviewed me wasn't in yet as she doesn't come in till 9.15am as she has a child!! That REALLY pissed me off.

[MinesAPintOfTea]

I have in the past got a job after smiling and answering a question with "I don't think that question is legal." But the job was the sort where an ability to stand up for your own opinions was considered valuable.

[TheDoctrineOfSnatch]

Ok, you are giving too much detail. One person will know something about one of your options and will pick a hole in it just because they can (a la holiday club woman - who in fact wasn't being unreasonable as she may have requested flexible work to be in at that time etc).

Just stick with, "I have made suitable childcare arrangements to fulfil XYZ hours" - however, if you actually DO need some flexibility then this will have to come up at some point - for example "my preference would be to do longer days Monday and Friday and a slightly shorter day Tuesday - Thursday but if this is not possible with the business needs I can make alternative arrangements"

[Pregnantberry]

Asking about marital status would definitely piss me off. There's no reason to ask that other than to try and judge you.

From the gov.uk website:

"You must not ask candidates about protected characteristics and:

their health
if they’re married, single or in a civil partnership
if they have children or plan to have children"

[Helpyourself]

"I've got a lot of support and I'm well organised..."
Follow up with an example from your work life where you had to juggle two conflicting demand, eg. "I instigated a change to a rolling schedule for team meetings so all off site staff kept in touch."

[UnexpectedlySingle]

Ooo good stuff helpyourself

[scantilymad]

The Equality Act prohibits questions like these. CVs are no longer required to have DOB on and it is actively discouraged.

[UnexpectedlySingle]

I don't have DOB on mine but someone made the point that my age could be worked out by looking at dates of employment and education, but surely you would need these on a CV?

[scantilymad]

Those dates are necessary but DOB is not. Although you are right. Blame Brussels for another rather patchy directive!

I think its to stop instant judgements based on age with DOB clearly shown. To be frank, if any prospective employer is taking the time to go through your CV that carefully then they have probably decided you are a candidate they want to consider, regardless of age.

[MidniteScribbler]

Most interviews I've done say something along the lines of 'do you have any commitments that would preclude you from being able to work the hours we require?' rather than asking about family. You can then answer 'no' or 'yes' as appropriate. I've been an interview panel where one man was training for the Olympics and wouldn't stay past 4pm so he could go training. Others have been enrolled in courses and would need to have left by 5pm (for example) to get to their classes.

[missymayhemsmum]

I have been asked this at interviews- I smiled, looked surprised, and said "I don't think you're supposed to ask that at interview these days, but I have childcare organised, and enough family backup to deal with emergencies" It seemed to work, they were falling over themselves to tell me about their family friendly policies....