Job application asking about caring responsibilities

[ClaraSais]

Hello all,
So I recently went to apply for a job, but was a bit flummoxed to see that it was asking whether I have caring responsibilities, which is not relevant to the role at all. Has anybody else come across this? Are they allowed to ask this? TIA

Do they mean dependants under 18?
If so , that's been on every application I've filled in in the last 10 years.

been on mine for a number of years too, not sure what they do with that info though.

They usually ask about dependants, either children or parents who need care.

What sort of jobs is that normal for? I have literally never seen that question on a form or heard of anyone having to give that information as part of an application.

Never had that applying for any job

I've never seen that on an application form. (And I'm in N Ireland where we're routinely asked all sorts of stuff that doesn't seem to be asked in the rest of the UK.)

I have never experienced that question.

It's highly discriminatory and should be ignored, because it gives a recruiter information that, by law, they must not act on, must not use in their hiring decision-making process and knowing it will lead to either conscious or unconscious bias. It has literally nothing to do with a candidate's skills, experience and capabilities.

I would go so far as to say I would be highly skeptical about working for an organisation that would ask that question.

Benefit of the doubt, maybe they are using forms that are over 10 years old! If it's a web based application process, then they are not compliant with the EA (2010).

It's on my local councils job application

Are people talking about the equality monitoring part of the form, where they also ask about race, sexuality, etc.? Because that isn't supposed to go to the selection panel. If people are saying they've been asked on the main form then I am

Omg I've NEVER EVER been asked that on an Application, not even sure it's legal!!

I certainly wouldn't answer it!!

Never seen this question on an application form or in an interview

I have also never seen that question on a form. I can't see why it would be relevant as long as you can work the contracted hours.

I've never seen that question on any application.

I would only expect to see that as part of equality monitoring, the same as race, sexuality etc.

If they're asking as part of the application itself I would write Not applicable.

It's easy to read that as them not wanting to hire anyone with responsibilities outside of work; however, it could be so they are seen as hiring in a fair and balanced way - so if they were ever asked why they only ever employ single people they could produce evidence to the contrary.

Lisasimpson has summed up what I came on to say, which is that presumably it's on the equal opportunities form, which is separate to the application.

My employer is now starting to capture caring responsibility data and it's captured with disability, race, religion etc.

I have never been asked this.

But if its part of the equalities form I can see why they are asking. That part of an application doesnt go to anyone that is part of the decision making process.

@Black77Bird you can only not discriminate married people.

@Manchestermanchester - Apologies - 'single' was the incorrect word. I should have said:

"It's easy to read that as them not wanting to hire anyone with responsibilities outside of work; however, it could be so they are seen as hiring in a fair and balanced way - so if they were ever asked why they only ever employ people who don't have dependants they could produce evidence to the contrary."

Just another thought - maybe they are asking with a view to planning ahead for things such as when you might look to take leave (around school holidays), and dependant-related leave.

Same same haha.

Maybe it’s because they want to positively discriminate? Imagine if you’ve been a carer for somebody and you have no recent work history. It’s hard to get employed! If you state you have been a carer it will help explain your work history. There is some positive information on here as well www.gov.uk/moving-from-benefits-to-work/help-for-parents-and-carers

I’ve only been asked it in the section that asks about race, sexuality, gender identity etc that is for HR purposes only and not for the panel

And there’s usually an option for prefer not to say anyway.