Equality and Human Rights Commission

• Q: I was invited to attend an interview for a job as a youth worker. It seemed to be going very well until I mentioned that my partner was the same sex as myself. I was then asked a lot of questions about my sex life and my relationships. I didn’t get the job and now I think it is because I am a young gay man. Can I complain about this?
• Q: What about applying for jobs in general, what rights do young people have?

Q: I was invited to attend an interview for a job as a youth worker. It seemed to be going very well until I mentioned that my partner was the same sex as myself. I was then asked a lot of questions about my sex life and my relationships. I didn’t get the job and now I think it is because I am a young gay man. Can I complain about this?

A: Under the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003, it is unlawful for an employer to treat you less favourably on the grounds of your sexual orientation.

The questions about your personal relationships may well be irrelevant as the focus should be on your ability to do the job you are applying for as a youth worker. However, you will need to show that the reason you did not get the job was because of your sexual orientation so you need to start by finding out who was the successful applicant. You can use a special questionnaire to do this and you can phone our Helpline to find out more about this procedure.

Read more information on sexual orientation rights.

Q: What about applying for jobs in general, what rights do young people have?

A: Whenever you apply for a job, you are protected against unfair treatment on the grounds of your race, sexual orientation, gender/ transgender, disability, age, and religion or belief.

It is important to remember that you are protected from discrimination in:

• The way the job is advertised
• The job description and person specification
• The short listing process
• The interview
• The final selection stage and
• The terms and conditions you are offered

Read more information about your rights in recruitment.

See also questions about bullying, harrassment and hate crime and questions about pay and employment.

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