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Work

Cross about being asked about childcare arrangements at interviews!

23 replies

rylansteeth · 22/01/2014 09:15

Because I bet they don't ask that question to a man! I was also asked at an interview yesterday "What does your husband think about you applying for this job?". As if it's the 1950s and I need his permission. Again, I bet that wouldn't be a question asked to a man.

I've had 3 interviews recently, including the one yesterday, and at every one I was quizzed about my childcare arrangements.

It really makes me angry.

OP posts:

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PeterParkerSays · 22/01/2014 09:26

Are these with small businesses, or larger organisations with HR departments? If the latter, send HR a stiff e-mail asking why their recruiters are allowed to do this. If the former, class it as a lucky escape and enjoy turning them down flat if they offer you the job, explaining why.

rylansteeth · 22/01/2014 09:28

The previous two interviews were for small companies, but the one yesterday is a larger one with an HR department.

The thing is, I'd really love the job I had the interview for yesterday, and I can't afford to turn it down if I'm offered it. I would love to be able to tell them to shove it though.

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Blankiefan · 22/01/2014 09:28

... Just about covers it!

1 would've been bad enough. What sector/type of job was it??!

rylansteeth · 22/01/2014 09:29

They're all office-based telesales/sales admin jobs, Blankie

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Blankiefan · 22/01/2014 09:39

Wow. I'd be really concerned about working for organisations/bosses like that.

Goos luck In getting something appropriate soon.

threeisthebest · 22/01/2014 13:02

I started my temporary job early last year. Initially it was only supposed to last a few weeks but every 3 months my contract has been extended. I only find out right at the last minute if it is being extended or not (I'm talking 3-4 days before it ends).

My husband has had to get his summer holidays booked at work so as to make sure we get a holiday during the summer with the children. I asked at work about booking this time off but was told this was not possible as my contract doesn't go that far ahead and may not be renewed.

We went ahead and booked a holiday 2 weeks abroad, assuming that I wouldn't be working there. However, I have just had word that my contract is to be extended for 8 months. I have tried to book these holidays but have been told that there is already the permitted number of staff off so I cant have it.

Is there anything I can do or will I just have to either cancel the holiday (which I am not willing to do) or resign?

threeisthebest · 22/01/2014 13:06

sorry, didn't mean to put my message on yours. should be a new topic.

rylansteeth · 22/01/2014 13:22

Just had a call to say I've been offered the job that I had the interview for yesterday.

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PeterParkerSays · 22/01/2014 13:28

Did the interviewer call you, or HR? I would want a chat with HR about that once you'd got the job in writing if you definitely want it

rylansteeth · 22/01/2014 13:30

The interviewer called me....

I'm reluctant to say anything to HR because surely it would get back to the interviewer, who will be my manager, and make things difficult for me?

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TheBigBumTheory · 22/01/2014 13:31

I once got told by an all male panel that they appreciated my 'personal problems' when I was asking to work part time. I was blank until I realised they meant my children...

TheBigBumTheory · 22/01/2014 13:33

It shouldn't make things difficult for you, she should be apologising, that's why these things go on, because we don't like to make a fuss and cause trouble...

SirChenjin · 22/01/2014 13:36

Don't bet on men not being asked that question....DH was when he went for a (senior) role with a company. The woman interviewing him quizzed him about how many children he had and what his childcare arrangements was. He told her, and then asked her the same questions (fortunately she only had one stepson who lived with his mum, so she only had him at the weekend....)

DH realised at that point that there was no way he would ever want to work for her or the company.

Creamycoolerwithcream · 22/01/2014 13:38

I actually thought it was illegal to ask such questions.

IceNoSlice · 22/01/2014 13:45

Is it even legal to ask if you have children?

TaurielTest · 22/01/2014 13:46

Congratulations on the job offer. If you accept it, there's nothing to stop you making a confidential statement to HR, suggesting they re-train on interview procedure.

I'd be cross too, at being asked either of those things. What did you actually reply? I'd love to think you answered the "what does your husband think..." question with an icy glare that shut them up, but I get that the power dynamics in an interview work against that.

AnUnearthlyChild · 22/01/2014 13:55

Dh got asked about child care at interview. He was sahd at that point.

He told them to mind their own business.

yummumto3girls · 22/01/2014 17:47

It's not illegal, but would be classed as direct sex discrimination unless they could prove that they asked the exact same question to everyone they interviewed. It's quite shocking behaviour in this day and age!

rylansteeth · 22/01/2014 18:33

poddock, if I did that would it cause any repercussions for me at work do you think? Such as being dismissed after my probationary period?

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yummumto3girls · 22/01/2014 20:34

Training of staff in non discriminatory practices, including interviewing, is a basic defence that all organisations should put in place to protect them from discrimination claims. HR need to know about it but I would ask it not to be related to you in any way for fear of recrimination., which shouldn't happen but unfortunately does. It depends on the size of organisation, if HR are sat in the same office, I might be inclined to put it down to experience and enjoy your new job.

Mikkii · 22/01/2014 21:03

We are not allowed to raise this during interviews. The only time I have discussed this was with a new dad who raised the issue with me during his interview.

Viviennemary · 22/01/2014 21:06

I'm shocked at you being asked if your husband approves of you applying. I've never heard that one before. I thought they weren't allowed to ask about childcare these days. Or at least if they do then they would have to ask everyone, men and women, or else wouldn't it be against the equal ops law.

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TaurielTest · 22/01/2014 22:53

I wouldn't have thought it could cause repercussions, unless the HR department and management are all totally unprofessional. You could always wait until after your probationary period to give the feedback if you were concerned - but yummum is right, you shouldn't have to.

(And if they did dismiss you, you could take them to court!)

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