Employment - Must have a job to get a job?

[susan silva]

I was reading in the newspaper where companies (here in the US) are putting in the job requirements "must be currently employed to be considered for this position."  It is raising some eye brows here in the US.  As anyone seen an actual job posting that say this?   Do you think it is a good idea or discrimination?  Has this happened in the UK?

If you want to read or just scan the article I read, here is the link  http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/12/02/BUOT1M70LE.DTL&tsp=1

[gee4]

No, not seen this in the UK.

How can this be acceptable if you are made redundant and looking for another job?

[Katie G]

I've heard of this as a "conventional wisdom"  (questionable wisdom if you ask me) but I've NEVER seen it actually put in print!  Holy Cow!

[msmarieh]

I've seen those articles as well, but don't think I've seen a job that actually included it.

I think it's nonsense and I hope they pass the law they are talking about making it illegal.

However, that said, I do believe the longer you are unemployed, the more employers think there must be a reason for it.

[gee4]

Yes Marie that's all very well, but it's hard to get a job when you have been made redundant and looking for something at the same level.

If you take a job at a lower salary, employers think you are cheap labour.

[msmarieh]

I didn't say I agree with it, gee. But the truth of the matter is, I think that's the way a lot of employers think. That's why it becomes so much harder to find a job if you've been out of work a year or longer (especially if there are issues at play too like in IT where new software versions may have come out).

[Atlanta Z3]

I can see both sides of the coin.  Employers think if someone has been out of work for a long period it might take them longer to acclimate back into a work environment.  On the flip side someone who has been seriously looking for work, wants to work, should not be disqualified if they have the skill set the employer is looking for in the position.  I personally have not seen an advertisement with that wording.  I don't think companies would post a requirement like that without expecting legal ramifications.

[elaineb37]

I have always felt that this might be the case, I had  a five year break when my children were small and although I had kept my skills up to  date by enrolling in night classes etc. I found it very difficult to get that first job when I was ready to return to work.  Since then I have not been out of work thankfully but should I be in that position again, aside from the financial implications, I would be concerned and  I think  I would be inclined to take temping work rather than risk too long  gap on my CV