Photo With Job Application

PCR

Hi everyone,

Quick question, is it legal for a potential employer to request a photo when applying for a job?

Here is the background information. I am currently unemployed and have been for nearly three months. I was recently contacted by a recruiter about a role that may be suitable for me. To be considered for the role she asked me to submit a CV and fill out a template that she would email to me and return it. The template just asks for relevant experience etc. and a photo. The job is for a role in the pharmaceutical industry so how I look shouldn't really determine if I get the job or not. Its not a big issue and I will submit the application with a photo, but to reiterate is requesting a photo legal and if so what is the logic behind it?

Sorry for the Long post and thanks in advance.

The_Conductor

Many companies attach photos to applications- to ensure the person in question attends for interview, and not an entirely different person (which you'd be amazed how often this happens). One person was recently up in court for sitting 16 driving tests on behalf of incompetents who couldn't pass of their own accord- this happens in interviews too........ Have a look at several different application forms- any I've looked at lately, all had a space for a photo.

PCR

Haha that is unbelieveable! Makes sense when you say it though. Thanks for the response.