Illegal and Inappropriate Interview Questions in the UK: What You Do Not Have to Answer
Most interviewers ask fair, work-related questions. But sometimes a question comes up that feels personal or uncomfortable: Are you planning to have children? How old are you? Do you have any health problems? In the UK the Equality Act 2010 protects job applicants, and some questions can lead to discrimination claims.
The nine protected characteristics
Age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. Employers must not discriminate against candidates because of any of these.
Questions that are risky for employers
Are you planning to start a family?
How old are you? When did you graduate?
What religion are you? Will you need time off for festivals?
Are you married? Who looks after your children?
Do you have any health conditions or a disability?
Employers should not ask about health before offering a job, except for limited reasons such as checking you can do essential parts of the work with adjustments, or monitoring diversity anonymously.
How to respond
You have choices. You can answer briefly if you are comfortable. You can steer the conversation back to the job: "I am fully available and committed to this role." Or you can politely decline: "I would rather focus on my skills and experience for the role." Stay calm and friendly.
What is acceptable
Employers may ask whether you have the right to work in the UK, whether you can work the required hours, and whether you hold necessary qualifications or a driving licence. For some jobs, there may be a genuine occupational requirement.
If you think you were discriminated against
Make a note of what was said, when and by whom. Contact ACAS for free guidance. A claim to an employment tribunal usually must be started within three months less one day of the act, after early conciliation. Check current time limits on GOV.UK.
Be ready for the unexpected
Many inappropriate questions are asked clumsily rather than with bad intent. A calm reply that moves back to your skills will often defuse it.
Everyone in this situation feels alone at some point, and you are not. If this helped, share it with someone who is job hunting, and tell us in the comments what has worked for you. When you want to practise, our free guides and role pages are a good place to start.
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