Job Discussion Forums

Dangermouse69 · Joined: 12 Jan 2015 Posts: 12

I've seen that some employers in the UK request a photo alongside cv and covering letter, etc when applying for jobs.

Is this legal (I know it is in other European countries, or they just don't care!) ?

Are you even required in the UK to state your DOB and gender? I think in the US, where they're hyper-sensitive about these things, you're not!

wavelength · Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2015 7:54 pm Post subject: photos

No sure if it's illegal or not, but we simply don't do it. Too many identity scammers. Also be sure that any email address you send personal information to is domain specific so you can look the company up and call them, instead sending your personal info to someone "out there."

I've had serious concerns about ads that require people to send their passport information page through unencrypted emails, etc. Identity theft is, after all, very lucrative.

Dangermouse69 · Joined: 12 Jan 2015 Posts: 12

Wow. Never even thought of it like that. I thought such practices might be labelled discrimination- is providing DOB the norm in other industries? Photos definitely not- never realised the scam angle!

I saw one application form that asked for passport details. Struck me as weird. Glad I didn't apply for that one, now!

sprightly · Joined: 07 May 2003 Posts: 136 Location: England

coming from canada, being asked for DOB at the application stage was really strange. even more those surveys that ask for info on ethnicity, religion, and disabilities.

apparently DOB is standard for all industries. as a foreigner, i don't give my passport number until i have the job.

it's the application for the DBS that feels invasive. some schools are getting bet at doing overseas police checks, but it still seems a bit hit and miss.