Employers still asking banned questions

[Vikrum]

Originally Posted by develion

Yeah they asked several "taboo" questions which I thought was pretty bizarre. I agree about the Guaranteed Job Interview scheme being ridiculous. Why should someone get a head start over me because they are disabled? How the hell is that promoting equality?

Positive discrimination, innit.
I completely agree with you, however. I think we're at a point in society where any sort of discrimination is bang out of order.
Universities are very pro-positive discrimination when it comes to less advantaged backgrounds/non-typical university backgrounds/ethnic minorities etc, which really ticks me off. Why should someone who has lower grades than one person take their place because their parents didn't go onto higher education?!

[Rebelius]

Originally Posted by Vikrum

Why should someone who has lower grades than one person take their place because their parents didn't go onto higher education?!

Because the University may deem them more able to learn at a university level than the person who's parents paid thousands for an education but are incapable of independent learning?

[Vikrum]

I disagree. I think anyone can get great grades if they try hard enough.
That might be naive, but it's based on personal experience.

Plus, if you're really not the brightest spark when it comes to academia, a private education wouldn't suddenly make you brilliant. It would make the very best of your capabilities, sure, but if you put the work in within a dire state school i think you can acheive just as much.

And i believe non-typical university families and private educations are seperate issues when it comes to this type of discrimination, although naturally i daresay there are strong correlations and crossovers.

[Rebelius]

yeah, but the people who get great grades at high school and the peeople who get great grades at uni are not necessarily the same people - especially when you're taking people from the huge range of backgrounds and schools we've got in this country.

[RealR]

Originally Posted by AlanG

Because research has shown systematic discrimination in employment so people who have a disability are less likely to get an interview because they have a disability, women are still discriminated against because they may fall pregnant and take time off (paid) and so on. Some industries are worse than others, Oxfam is probably more women/minority friendly than the Met for example. Until that kind of discriminatory behaviour is stopped someone needs to be done to redress the balance. The current policies may not be brilliant but they are far better than what it was like without them.

Shouldn't the Council then lead by example by promoting the best equality they can? Giving absolutely everyone the same equal opportunity? I thought the whole point of promoting equality within employment was that regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or disability... it is the personal qualities (ie for a IT job... competency with IT) that merit employment. To me it seems like the Council on a worryingly slippery path by firstly saying "those who may be discriminated against are uber welcome here" they are stating a kinda acceptance. Secondly it is STILL discrimination. They are still separating people out!


I fully appreciate that discrimination goes on, but rather than offering those discriminated against a better chance the Council should say "Hey everyone... THIS is what you do... I got 10 applicants and I'm going to give interviews entirely based on the quality of their qualifications, related experience and what I believe will be their ability at the job.

Then again this is the same council that recently told a lass I know that if she goes and gets pregnant she'll be able to get a council house quicker ¬_¬ Bloody Dundee :P

[All_in_black]

I applied for a job at British Airways and was asked to state my sexual orientation. Surely that's not legal?

[gabrillowise]

Hello All in Black

[deadmike]

i got a job not that long ago, i was asked most of the supposed banned questions. and had no problems with it either.

but how can an employer not have the right to ask your age?? certain jobs require you to be within an age range. you cant serve drinks if your 5 years old. but employers cant ask you what your age is??

"shit, i'll just have to assume you just look young as i don't legally have the right to challenge whether your old enough to do this job, then get my pub shut down for employing minors."

thats a bit silly isn't it.

[Kenny]

You're gonna see a load more equalities monitoring-type questions over the next year or two, because public authorities are slowly starting to get to grips with their equalities duties now and the amount of information they're required to collect is pretty intense. The problem is that in order to 'equality proof' all their policies / functions / services / etc, as the law requires them to do, they have to be able to show they based their actions on a sound knowledge base. So it does result in a better, fairer service but it probably puts a few people's noses out of joint to get the information in the first place.

[Rebelius]

Originally Posted by deadmike

but how can an employer not have the right to ask your age?? certain jobs require you to be within an age range. you cant serve drinks if your 5 years old. but employers cant ask you what your age is??

they can probably ask whether you're over 18 or not? but you don't have to tell them your exact age? maybe.

[humndislocation]

I think they're allowed to dicriminate, if it's a genuine requirement of the job.

[Vikrum]

I got asked my ethnic origin before giving blood.
I don't really see how that's relevant.

Kenny..?

[arbroathamy]

Originally Posted by Vikrum

I got asked my ethnic origin before giving blood.
I don't really see how that's relevant.

Kenny..?

apparently because.....

"Understanding the ethnic origin of donors is medically important. When attempting to match a rare blood group it is often useful to look within the same, or a similar ethnic group.

The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2002 requires that we monitor the accessibility of our services to all communities. This includes the ways in which we promote opportunities to donate throughout England and North Wales. It is in all our interests that we encourage as many people as possible to give blood. Again, to do this most effectively, we need to understand the ethnic profile of our existing donors. Your co-operation is greatly appreciated. However, if you wish to withhold this information, please use the ‘not disclosed’ code provided. Your wish will of course be respected."