Sir, – I feel that I must commit to paper my disgust at the continued and blatant discrimination, which working mothers are subjected to. In recent years, since reaching child-bearing age, whenever I have had a job interview virtually every time I have been asked such questions as "Do you have any children?" or "How old are your children?" or "Do you plan to have any more children?". These are all wholly unacceptable and very personal questions which bear no relation to someone's ability to perform the duties during the specified hours. Do employers not realise that such a line of questioning indicates that they are, at best insensitive (what stress and upset could they cause someone who is not able to have children?) and are seemingly an unscrupulous employer, who is quite prepared to flaunt employment laws to their own end.
These are extremely serious points which must be addressed by all those involved in best business practice. It is time for action to eliminate this discriminating element – after all that is the main reason such questions are asked. I call also on all women to refuse, politely and firmly to answer these questions.
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