Promotion and rights

Gaelsgirl1

I recently applied for a promotion at work and due to scheduling clashes with HR, I've not been interviewed, but they hope to interview me this week or next. Some other internal applicants have and have been told they've not been successful. The closing date for applications was 22nd Feb.
This morn, a colleague told me they submitted an application last week and are waiting to hear back from HR. This person is good friends with the manager they will be reporting to and imo is a shoe in for the position. Can HR accept an application at this late stage without opening it to everyone? What recourse do I have over this person applying late?

seamus

There are no laws governing internal promotions in private companies except those to do with equality. A company can advertise a closing date for applications, but there's nothing stopping them from accepting applications after this date if they so wish. Companies aren't even obliged to hold interviews or advertise internal positions.

At best you can make a complaint to HR about the unfairness of an application being accepted after the closing date. However, these dates are usually just to assist in getting some order on applications. A company would be remiss to exclude a qualified candidate just because they missed the closing date.

If this person is offered the job and you believe it was because of who their friends are and not because of their ability, then you could make a complaint to HR on that basis, or through a whistleblower if such a service is available to you.