Got new job but they asked me if I plan on having children

[doll_eyes]

As the title says, I had an interview and one of the main points they asked me was if I had any children and if I plan on having any soon. Thought it was a strange question to have asked, I rang my Mum after who said it's because they would probably have discriminated against me even though they aren't meant to. I got the job, but think if I'd said yes to either I wouldn't have been offered the place.

We aren't planning on kids for the next year and a half, but will be trying at the back end of 2013. Just feel that once it does happen they might not be the best employer whilst pregnant as they'll probably try and screw me over. I'm on probation for 4 months, but it is a job I want with a contract which I don't have at the moment. Just wanted a little rant as it's been on my mind as I'm leaving a job of ten years for this position. Guess I can keep my eyes open for other things in the mean time and it's all good experience in a field I want to work in.

Think it's just opened my eyes to how some employers regard women and pregnancy.

 

[Titch85]

I didn't think they were allowed to ask that?

 

[Kayelle]

Omg I think that is either illeagal or close to it!! Very very bad of them.

I'm sorry to back up the doubt in your mind but as an outsider I have a feeling if they are that upfront about kids they will give you hassle when it does happen, sorry I would read the contract extremely carefully!

Still so shocked, and angry! They can't ask that!!

 

[marley]

Naughty they shouldn't have done that! Discriminatory behaviour.

Disgusting !

Can I ask what field this job is in?

Xx


Apologies for any typos!

 

[dollface79]

“Employment regulations for women, whereby the prospective employer is not able to inquire about the interviewee’s status regarding children, childcare, or indeed their intention of becoming a parent, are counterproductive,” he said. In Australia and in the UK, employers are prevented by law from asking female applicants if they plan to have kids.

Just found this.

 

[Kayelle]

As I thought dollface, this is not on!!

 

[AugustMum]

 

[doll_eyes]

It's just so shocking at this day and age, he worded it dependants and then kind of laughed it off, funny thing is I come from a family of lawyers lol my Grandfather was a barrister for over 30 years and then ran a local court, my father is a solicitor for work rights and my Mum was a court manager for the fines office for 25 years haha I've asked their opinions and they just said to look at it as a stepping stone for the experience I need, then get the hell out as soon as something else comes along, they said it's actually all to common sadly in a lot of workplaces. Obviously didn't say I was worried because we are going to ttc next year though lol

It's a chemist and health food store, the gentleman who was interviewing won't actually be my boss at all he is just opening the store and hiring the staff for the Pharmacist/Manager to then step in and run the shop himself so I won't actually be working for the man who interviewed me. There's only actually going to be 3 people on the team and I do need some experience so I can apply to places like Boots etc as I get so far then don't get considered as I haven't got more than a weeks work experience years ago in a pharmacy so if anything I can use this as a stepping stone. It's just so disheartening as I was excited about the interview and it's kind of spoiled the excitement of getting a new job

 

[hellywelly]

Certainly illegal to ask this in my line of work (teaching). And what really pisses me off is they wouldn't ask a bloke this!! Yet he could still end up as a primary carer for a child!

 

[Pink Ballerina]

I'm quite sure its illegal for them to ask, can't believe they had the cheek! Congratulations on your new job

 

[Babybushie28]

As the girls have said this is an illegal question. I work in hr and we would be taken to a tribunal if we'd asked that!! If you hasn't got the job it would have be an easy claim for discrimination, regardless of your answer.

They are lucky they offered you the job! If you happen to fall preggo during your contract they cannot mess you about or use it against you in anyway, hopefully it won't come to it but just know you'll have the upper hand hun.

Good luck!

Xxx