[sqldba]

Wow, madness. So before we were told not to ask the question in interviews; but suddenly it's ok to be asked the question in interviews.

For me it's definitely negotiable. If you can't afford me then after negotiation then any gulf can be made up with a guaranteed longer contract or shorter hours; it's as simple as that.

Disqualifying off the bat is stupid, especially as some places pay extra because they need someone urgently for a short period.