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Original poster

Age Descrimination

16 replies

Annamaywong25 · 01/09/2021 20:19

Im currently looking for a new job. Ive applied for a few. Had a reply to an application by email from a job I applied for several weeks ago asking if I was still interested in the position. I said yes and the guy said good, lets move forward. First question he asked, was I currently working and what age was I? I replied saying before I answered I wanted to know how age was relevant. This was his reply - "Age is relevant in every aspect of every business" I replied stating my age (older lady here, currently working 50 hours per week despite my "elderly" status Hmm) not heard a word since. Last email was Monday. Surely this is blatantly discriminatory? For context the position was for a showroom assistant (of which I have had several years experience of) and ironically, the business was primarily mobility aids for the elderly. AIBU to be outraged by this? Surely this is against employment law guidelines? Feel like reporting it but not sure who to?

OP posts:
MrsFin · 01/09/2021 20:31

You don't actually know that age is the issue though. Or that there is an issue.
Perhaps he's on hols, or caught The Covid.

WhyOhWhyOhWhyyyy · 01/09/2021 20:36

Oh wow, there is absolutely no reason for them to ask your age during your application. It may be that there is another reason why they didn’t get back to you, but they’re certainly setting themselves up for discrimination claims by asking that question in the way that he did.
I’d probably be tempted to go back and to ask for an update on your application to see what they say, and if declined I’d ask for the reason. Give them enough rope to hang themselves with.

Original poster
Annamaywong25 · 01/09/2021 21:19

@MrsFin

You don't actually know that age is the issue though. Or that there is an issue. Perhaps he's on hols, or caught The Covid.
True, but just seemed strange that he was really keen (several emails from him that morning) then he asked my age, then.......nothing???
OP posts:
Original poster
Annamaywong25 · 01/09/2021 21:21

@WhyOhWhyOhWhyyyy

Oh wow, there is absolutely no reason for them to ask your age during your application. It may be that there is another reason why they didn’t get back to you, but they’re certainly setting themselves up for discrimination claims by asking that question in the way that he did. I’d probably be tempted to go back and to ask for an update on your application to see what they say, and if declined I’d ask for the reason. Give them enough rope to hang themselves with.
Good idea....I'll try that.
OP posts:
Original poster
Annamaywong25 · 02/09/2021 09:18

Well as suggested I emailed him last night asking for an update on my application. He replied early this morning stating that there had been so many applications that he was sifting through them and would "be in touch if I met the criteria".....dont know that I believe that as it was several weeks ago that I applied and only heard from him on Sunday, I'm guessing he has already "sifted" and had run out of options so thought he'd contact me. As mentioned I have several years experience of showroom selling, thought I'd be an ideal candidate to get straight in for an interview. That's been my experience with previous applications in my field anyway. Maybe I'm being paranoid but my gut feeling is still shouting that it's age discrimination, otherwise why did he ask the question? I'll be extremely surprised if I ever hear from him again. Hmm

OP posts:
WhyOhWhyOhWhyyyy · 02/09/2021 19:50

How infuriating, I would actually want to be quite difficult on this one and not let him wheedle out of it, so would keep going back asking for an update until they’ve made a decision and then push them on the reason. If they reject you and can’t give a fair and objective reason as to why then it could be worth speaking with acas.

The trouble is, even if you have good reason to believe that they have discriminated against you because of your age, your only recourse really is tribunal which is an arduous process so you would really need to be up for the fight. Having said that just starting the process through acas might be enough to make them think (they may even just offer a small settlement to make it all go away) and would ensure that the employer knows what this particular recruiter is up to.

I run a HR department and if I found out one of my recruiters had said this to a candidate I’d be very unhappy.

I would also be leaving a review on glass door so other potential candidates can see what they’re about and steer clear.

girlmom21 · 02/09/2021 19:56

You can't prove that it's age discrimination without a lot of work on your part and you won't benefit from going through all that hassle.

In future, go with the 'I have x years worth of experience in a similar role' response rather than your actual age if it's a concern.

flowersmakeitbetter · 02/09/2021 23:51

Being older should go in your favour for this one. I would imagine that the target market would prefer someone with a bit of life experience.

He shouldn't have asked your age but I would let it go this time. Think how you will respond if you are asked again so you're not caught out.

Kithic · 03/09/2021 13:19

It may be that he found your challenge annoying or irritating ? *not that he should have, but depends how you asked for relevance?

C8H10N4O2 · 03/09/2021 13:23

but depends how you asked for relevance?

No it really doesn't and his assertion that age is always relevant in every job in every business would support the likelihood that he is one of:

  • ignorant
  • bigoted
  • both
Naptimenow · 03/09/2021 13:51

@Kithic

It may be that he found your challenge annoying or irritating ? *not that he should have, but depends how you asked for relevance?
He shouldn't have asked and you have potentially (depending on how you did it) made him feel foolish, that's never going to win friends.
memberofthewedding · 03/09/2021 14:09

As another poster suggests I would have left my age off and just mentioned my years of experience.

I am also very suspecious of companies who want a photo with your cv. Unless they are running a model or theatrical agency (or similar) I dont see it as relevent for appearance to be a valid criteria. I once got this request for a job in a call center!

orangejumpsuit · 04/09/2021 10:14

If the business is mobility aids for the elderly, perhaps he would prefer someone older for the role? Age discrimination can go both ways! So I wouldnt necessarily jump to the conclusion that the employer thinks you are too old!
That being said he should never have asked that question. I'd take it as a red flag and warning and just avoid completely. It really doesn't bode well. But it's probably not worth complaining or being aggrieved over. Start looking elsewhere.

GypsyWanderer · 16/05/2022 14:30

I know this was months ago but I’m just wondering what the outcome was? I just went to an interview and was asked my date of birth at the end. I answered without even thinking and I’m worried I’ll be turned down for the job because of it. I’m turning 40 on Friday.

Aprilx · 17/05/2022 21:15

MrsFin · 01/09/2021 20:31

You don't actually know that age is the issue though. Or that there is an issue.
Perhaps he's on hols, or caught The Covid.

He should have asked is surely the point?

Or do you also think it would have been reasonable for him to email saying he’d just like to check her sexuality or what colour her skin is?

Aprilx · 17/05/2022 21:16

Aprilx · 17/05/2022 21:15

He should have asked is surely the point?

Or do you also think it would have been reasonable for him to email saying he’d just like to check her sexuality or what colour her skin is?

Show quote history

Aargh.

should NOT have asked I mean

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