NUI Galway form asks job applicants about their menstrual cycles
NUI Galway is being criticised for some of its “invasive” questions to prospective employees in an occupational health questionnaire, according to the Connacht Tribune.
The university's occupational health ‘pre-employment health assessment’ has more than 40 questions, one of which asks: “Do you suffer with any problems with your menstrual periods?"
Job applicants and people who have been offered a post at the university have also been asked: "Do you suffer any breast problems? Have you ever been treated for gynaecological problems? Have you ever suffered prostate problems?"
Following media attention this morning, NUIG confirmed that they have suspended the pre-screening questionnaire while the matter is under review.
The form explains that the questions are to establish if the appointee can, “carry out the job without any undue risk to the health and safety of themselves or others at work”.
The questions, one of which asks female job applicants about their menstrual cycle, have also been described as “misogynist” and “excessively personal”.
A lecturer at the third-level institution told the paper that the questions are invasive, saying: “Particularly for women, the questions are borderline misogynistic. They are such an invasion of privacy it is unbelievable.
"Why are the menstrual periods of women workers of concern to NUI Galway? If you answer ‘yes’ to this question, what are the consequences? It is a breach of privacy.”
The paper reports that NUI Galway issued a statement saying: “The form is in line with forms used for employment purposes.
“The form is completely confidential and returned by the individual to the university Occupational Health Physician directly. The HR office does not have sight of or record of the completed form.
“A confirmation is simply received of medical fitness for duty or not.”
