smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

Are you working too hard?

News that UK entrepreneurs are clocking up 50-hour weeks will...
Have your say »

RSS

Rejecting potential job applicants

Jan 25 2007

Very few applicants ever question the prospective employer as to why they were unsuccessful at an interview or even why they were not interviewed at all. Perhaps the most common (albeit still quite rare) reason relates to discrimination of some kind. Other reasons for asking include, “so that they can do better next time” or so that an attempt to get you to change your mind can be made.

Whilst it is sometimes a nuisance i.e. it takes up your time to comply with such requests, if it is one relating to a potentially discriminatory act ultimately an Employment Tribunal, in the event of a claim, could order the disclosure of the interview process documentation which would reveal the reason (assuming it had been recorded).

Rejecting an applicant for having 6 points on their licence is not an unacceptable reason. I can see no reason why you should not tell him. If he was suitable in all other respects you might even consider inviting him to re-apply once the points have cleared from his licence – providing he can convince you he won’t acquire any more!

Comments

There are currently no comments on this article

Prize Draw

Enter our prize draw!!

You've probably noticed smallbusiness.co.uk has a brand new look. You can personalise the homepage to suit your needs and there's lots of new content including video, blogs and the small business resource centre.

We're interested to know what you think about the new small business site, so we'd like you to take this opportunity to have your say. All entrants will be entered into our free prize draw to win a bottle of champagne provided by our partners at Laithwaites! Enter here

Polls

News

Red tape on training needs to be reduced

Small businesses could face additional regulation by the government if they are forced to undertake formal meetings with employees who request time off to train, warns the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Female workers need supportive legislation, entrepreneur claims

Despite the work of campaigners and legislators there remains a 'massive, massive under-representation of women in senior positions', an online resource for female entrepreneurs says.

London mayor 'has significant economic powers' to protect business

The new mayor of London will have significant power over the economic development of the city, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Bosses face damages for third party sexual harassment

A top employment lawyer is warning employers they could face unlimited damages if they fail to protect employees from sexual harassment by third parties, under new laws now in force.

Small firms face 'difficulties' in taking a dispute to tribunal

Taking a dispute at work to an employment tribunal will 'definitely be more difficult' for employees and employers in small businesses compared with a larger company, according to an industry expert.

Self-employed 'need full life insurance'

The self-employed have a particular need for life insurance as "they are responsible for all their own benefits", say insurance experts.

Illegal practices in the workplace can result in 'serious penalties'

Both employers and employees in SMEs can face 'serious penalties' for engaging in illegal practices in the workplace, according to employment law specialists.

Firms still facing red tape burden

Small firms are still facing excessive amounts of regulation, new research has revealed.

Get prepared for regulation changes

With changes to employment regulations coming on 1 October, Business Link is advising employers to act now to get to grips with the legislation.

Government to simplify small business advice schemes

The government has announced proposals to simplify the process for small businesses to receive business advice.

FSB slams family tax

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has attacked HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in a family tax case heard in the House of Lords.

Guides & Tips

Starting the small claims process

If you have a claim to make against another business or sole-trader, you may need to go through the small claims process. SmallBusiness.co.uk tells you how to start the process.

Top 10 Legal tips

Running a business will present you with many unexpected legal considerations; smallbusiness.co.uk's Top Ten Legal Tips help to guide you through the potential legislative minefield.

How to avoid insolvency

It’s a grim fact that up to 80 per cent of new businesses launched each year fail, most within the first five years of operation. Once cash flow has dried up and creditors start knocking on the door, the most likely action taken by UK entrepreneurs is to declare bankruptcy.

Store

FT Guide to Personal Tax

Formerly the Lloyds TSB Tax Guide, the FT Guide to Personal Tax is now published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc and Jonquil Lowe, this unique guide gives step-by-step advice to completing your tax return as well as 100 tax-saving tips.

FT Guide to Business Start Up

Formerly the Lloyds TSB Small Business Guide, the FT Guide to Business Start Up is now published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc, this unique guide has sold over two million copies. It offers practical advice about starting and running your own business.

Growth Company Investor

Growth Company Investor is widely recognised as the leading magazine for investors interested in AIM and smallcap companies. Published 10 times per year, and brought to you by an award-winning analyst team, it offers subscribers unrivalled insight into high-potential smaller companies. Subscribe today with a 50% discount in your first year.