DISCRIMINATION - 27.08.2020

Q&A - can we ask for minimum experience?

Q. We’re recruiting for a role and would prefer someone who has several years’ experience, mainly because it will reduce our training costs. Can we state in our job ad that all applicants must have a minimum number of years’ experience?

A. Whilst it isn’t unlawful to ask for a minimum number of years’ experience, it’s not generally advisable to do so. This is because the requirement could potentially exclude younger candidates and that would amount to indirect age discrimination. The only time you could legitimately ask for a minimum number of years’ experience is where the request can be justified, for example, certain professional roles may require a minimum length of qualification.

To weed out inexperienced candidates, rather than applying a minimum number of years’ experience criterion, state what type and level of qualification, knowledge, skills and competencies the successful candidate should possess. These should all be a genuine requirement of the job role you are offering. Avoid stating that particular experience is needed for an entry-level role. You can set out your requirements in a job description and person specification (see The next step ).

For a job description and person specification, visit http://tips-and-advice.co.uk/personnel-dz(PS 22.15.08).

Unless the request can be justified, don’t ask for a minimum number of years’ experience in a job ad. It could amount to indirect age discrimination. Instead, state what qualifications, knowledge, skills and competencies the successful candidate should possess.

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