Interviews

[mummyandbaby]

I have been to several interviews and they have all asked how old my children are. When they hear I have 2 young children, they say "you have your hands full". I have been turned down for the jobs. Are they allowed to ask about my children? I thought it was illegal. Sometimes the question is asked as part of the interview and on one occasion, on the way down the corridor afterwards. Has anyone else experienced this?

I don't think they're allowed to make a descision based on it, that counts as discrimination doesn't it? Kind of hard to prove I think unless it was really obvious that's why you got turned down.

If you think it'll come up again, could you have a good response, like "yes, they're ... years old, but this is how I'd manage it all...childcare, sharing school pick ups, etc"?

I agree, have a response prepared.

Although they're not allowed to make a decision based on this, it's hard to prove. Could you just state as confidently as you can that you have 2 young children but that you have all your regular childcare arrangements in place?

That is exactly what I am doing. I am unable to prove that their decision is based on this but feel very strongly that the question should not be asked.

What they literally say 'have you got any children?' and then ask how old they are?

It's not illegal per se to ask about children, but if only female candidates were asked, for example, that would be illegal discrimination, and it's bad practice because it's irrelevant to the job in question (I assume?!).