Ad for ‘hard-working’ staff deemed discriminatory

A
boss had her job ad banned – because it asked for ‘hard-working’ staff, it is
claimed.

According
to the Mirror newspaper, Beryl King was told by a Jobcentre that it
discriminated against people who were not industrious.

The
newspaper said the Southampton Jobcentre is investigating the matter. A
spokesman told the paper: "Words such as ‘hardworking’ can be accepted if
used with a clear job description."

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Another
similar case arose last month when an optician was told she could not advertise
for a ‘hard-working receptionist’. The JobCentre later said that it was not
policy to deem hard work discriminatory.

By Quentin Reade