Does an employer have to advertise a vacancy internally before placing an external advert?

Question

My employer has identified a new role, however they have not asked anyone currently employed here if they would be interested in the position. It hasnt been advertised internally, they have only advertised it externally. There may be some people here that would have liked to apply. What is the law here ? Do employers have to advertise/offer/give existing employees the chance to register their interest/apply before external recruitment commences?

Answer 1

In the UK the answer is no, however some companies may have a policy in place requiring internal adverts before external placement (this is particularly true in the public sector) and may be forced to do this by their own policy.

Answer 2

I don't know about before, but I believe they have to advertise externally AS WELL AS internally, something to do with the ridiculous laws about equal rights and equality at work - everyone gets the same chance to get the position. On paper anyway.

Answer 3

If they have a Union agreement, yes, however there is no law (that I know of) that says they must....

.. but it is normally regarded as good business practise to advertise internally first,

If you are aware of the vacancy, I would assume there is nothing to prevent you from actually applying for the job ?

Answer 4

It depends on the laws in the state you are in. Most states don't require companies to look inside there own companies first. It is usually up to the company itself. If your interrested in the position, go and ask someone that handles the process of hireing.

Answer 5

No they do not have to check on present staff first. However, there is nothing to stop you appling for the job via the advert.

Answer 6

no they don't but they have to advertise externally as well as internally (that's maybe where your confusion is arising).........they cannot just advertise internally........but no, they don't have to advertise internally at all