Bosses beware of asking personal questions during interviews

London, Jan 14 (UNI) ''Are you married? What is your age? Tell about your religious beliefs and your sexual orientation''.

If as an employer, you plan to ask such questions from your prospective staff before taking them on, be ready to fall foul of discrimination laws.

Many bosses are being stung by large fines for seeking information about an interviewee which falls outside the strict criteria of their ability to do the job.

A handbook highlighting 'no go' questions has been released for firms that want to stay on the right side of the law.

Handbook author Sue Tumelty said, ''Long gone are the days when a nervous interviewee had to answer all sorts of questions about their lifestyle and their personal views.'' Many managers found it difficult to explore the personality of potential staff members in case they were accused of discrimination, Employment law specialist Brian Palmer said.

He warned some employers complained political correctness now meant they had no picture of the person they were trying to hire.

A recent survey found more than a quarter of workers had been the victim of some form of discrimination during their careers.

Another poll, however, admitted adopting a false persona in order to impress or 'fit in' with the company.

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