Recruitment firm ‘Matching Models’ has recently come under fire for posting a job advertisement requesting that applicants are ‘attractive women’ only and have even specified what bra size the successful applicant should be.
The advertisement in question specified that applicants for a PA position should have “a classic look, brown long hair with b-c cup”. It went on to state that the job would be based in the countryside and that “a lady with no commitments would seem to match our client expectations”. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) called the advertisement “appalling, unlawful and demeaning to women”. Women’s rights campaigners have also criticised the firm with Sam Smeathers (Chief Executive of the Fawcett Society) stating:
It is extraordinary that they are taking this approach and almost certainly falls foul of equality legislation. If we ever wonder why the battle for gender equality hasn’t been won, this is a timely reminder.
Matching Models is also recruiting a "sexy female driver" to drive a Porsche Cayenne two days a week for between £40,000 and £50,000-a-year for a Knightsbridge-based businessman and polo team owner.
Under the Equality Act 2010 it is unlawful to say or even imply, that you will discriminate against anyone. Employers will be well aware of restrictions on asking an applicant’s age or marital status or even requesting details of their health for fear of disability discrimination claims. Technically anybody can make a complaint to the EHRC, who have powers to intervene – watch this space!
For information/advice in respect of discrimination claims, contact Katharine Kelly on 0151 239 1079 or by email to katharinekelly@canter-law.co.uk.
It’s almost beyond comprehension that occurrences like this still occur. One would like to think that we had progressed but sometimes it seems as if we haven’t.