Job offer on condition I increase hours

[parttimer2021]

NC for this but regular MN user

I was approached to apply for internal secondment - discussion with hiring manager I said I work part time and know role is fast paced/busy and would be concerned that wouldn't be able to do a good job there.

Manager said would be a challenge but not impossible

Applied for role and at end of interview hiring manager asked about my hours and if I would consider increasing them? Felt put on the spot but said I am not in a position to increase at the moment (childcare reasons) but I could look at changing the days I work if required to

Should they have asked this? If I don't get the role then could this be discrimination?

If the role is more hours than you can do then it’s more hours than you can do. It’s not discrimination to ask a simple question whether you’d be prepared to increase your hours, no.

No of course not, it is simply the job requirement.

asking If you are available for the required hours is not discriminatory.

I had to pass on a really great opportunity recently because they made it clear one of the requirements is frequent no-notice overtime and I just can’t accommodate that in my life right now. I’ve done it in the past and I will likely do it in the future, but right now I have a special needs kid dealing with a pandemic and I’m not the right person for the high paced job.

no it's not discrimination

No, it isn’t discrimination

If you are worried about the new job being too busy and challenging (in your available hours) and you don't get the job because that is indeed the case, surely that's the right decision all round (for both you and your employer)? Obviously it means your manager was perhaps unwise in encouraging you to apply, but no real harm done.

Sounds like they've wasted your time. Probably assumed you'd change your mind and up your hours if offered it.