Childcare Question at Job Interview: Is she allowed to do this?

[nelliesmum]

I possibly just blew a job interview by pointing out to the interviewer that her specific question about what I would do if I woke up in the morning and one of the children was sick, was illegal.

Now I'm not sure if it is illegal or not. I did answer the question but it really p*ed me off that she asked it in those terms. Does anyone know if she is actually allowed to do this??

I'm quite upset, I really did want this job!!!

I am not sure it is illegal as such, it just wasn't very smart on her part as it potentially opens them up to a discrimination claim. I think.

She was really quite aggressive about it. I do have my childcare sorted out, I wouldn't be going back to work if I didn't. However of course there will be the odd day when I'm late because one of the kids is sick, there is probably the odd day when she can't make it because she is sick.

At the risk of changing the subject, my heart sinks when I see a woman interviewer now, why are we so f*cking hard on each other?

Sorry...I really did want the job .

She would be laying herself/the company open to a claim of sex discrimination, unless I guess she could prove that she asked all prospective (including male) candidates the same question.

I don't think I would have said it's illegal, but most certainly discriminatory. Unless male candidates get asked too, although then you are still discriminating against parents.

Very wrong of her.

Unacceptable practice to ask that in an interview - and yes - it would leave them open to a discrimination claim.

You may still get the job - shows good evidence of your understanding of equal opportunities [hopeful]

Do I really want to work for someone with that attitude though? Thanks everyone, I do feel a bit better.

Back to JOBSITE...ho hum!

As others have said, it is potential discrimination unless she asked the men too >

It can be legitimate to ask about childcare. Eg. if you have the sort of job where you have to work late at short notice, fine to ask the parents (men and women mind) what they have in place to facilitate that. Your situation doesn't sound great though.

Would this woman be your actual manager, or not

I must admit that I thought they weren't "allowed" to ask these questions.

She was out of order IMO.

I think you might have had a close escape the next job will be perfect.

Nope, no direct prohibition. It's just potentially unhelpful evidence.

I certainly wouldn't ask it if interviewing but don't think it is illegal if all the candidates are asked the same thing.

Did you introduce the topic of children / childcare, for example by saying you left a previous job due to family responsibilities or are now returning to work after a break?

It doesn't sound like the job requires you to respond at a moments notice so I can think of no reason at all it should be asked. in any case as a manager I operate on the basis that I'm employing adults who are capable of commiting to a job and sorting out childcare (if they have children) I also assume they can sort out their teenage children, needy partners and aged parents too. There's no need to ask this sort of thing and clearly it couldn't be asked of all candidates if some candidates don't disclose they have children. Was this a big company? If so I would ring HR and ask them what they think. There is certainly the potential here for your interview to be considered unfair.

If you do not get the job then I would certainly follow up.
If I had a pound for every time I've been asked that question at interview though I wouldn't need to work, I usually smile and ask if he/she has asked that question of the men they are interviewing.

I'd have been inclined to answer,.....then at then end when they routinely ask if I had any questions, I would ask about their equal opportunities policy! .....Then watch her go red & think "shit!"

I would have said exactly the same thing -- it is, in fact, direct discrimination on the basis of gender.

If you don't get the job, you can claim sex discrimination on the basis of that woman's question. She's been remarkably stupid to ask it, and I would hope that HR would have picked her up on it afterwards. At the very least you should write to HR to point out what she asked if you don't get the job.

In any case -- do you really want a job where this woman works?

I can guarantee that no male interviewee would ever have been asked this question.

Astonished the interviewer even went there.

If they do appoint a man to this job or already only have predominantly male employees and childless women at the level of this job then they are wide open for a dicrimination claim.