To think this is illegal?

[Beelzebop]

Just about to fill a job application in. It has a box asking for ages and number of children you have.
I thought this wouldn't be allowed as it may be discriminatory.
Am I wrong? Thanks!

It is illegal.

Tempting though to fill it in with 15 children all under the age of 5, just to take the piss.

You are not allowed to ask questions like that or other such as whether you're pregnant or your age.

I can't believe how rude she was. "Oh right, I don't know about that"
"Can I speak to someone who does?"
"There's no one above me. "
These people are running a care agency!

Why did she laugh at you? Did she have any explanation for why they're asking for that information?

Sounds like... computer says no!

Time to contact the CQC and copy them in.

Oh yesss CQC.

Ooops looks like the other side of sarky lady's face is going to be getting a workout soon

I was once sent an application form that asked when I had last visited a doctor and what was the purpose of the visit!!

That doesn't sound like a place you would want to work. Of course, you may want a job no matter what, but if the person on the phone hasn't even heard that it's illegal then what other employment law are they completely unaware of!

I started working in the 1980s, and even back then employers didn't ask questions like that, because it just had nothing to do with the job ! There's absolutely no reason why they even need to ask, unless they have some great scheme where they give kids presents on their birthdays, but I suspect that's not the case. Keep looking, OP, these will not be good employers.

Just don't fill that bit in

Contact the Citizens Advice or ACAS.

Thanks for all your help, ACAS have basically said that I should take it further first by emailing head of company, so I have. I have also emailed my local mp but who knows?

I've never had that but I do always have to fill in my race/religion/sexuality on applications x