Employers admit to recruitment based on looks
19 March 2008 16:25
A number of employers in the UK have admitted to basing recruitment decisions on the appearance of a particular candidate.
According to the results of a study by law firm Peninsula, 88 per cent of respondents admitted to a situation whereby a particular job was awarded to the candidate they considered to be the most attractive.
Peninsula's findings are based upon a poll of 2,266 employers.
"Using such a strategy is not without legal risk," said David Price, head of diversity at Peninsula, a firm with a history going back to 1983.
"I can understand that employers want to choose candidates that fit in well within the company, but recruiting an individual on looks alone is clearly not acceptable."
Mr Price also stressed that recruitment decisions should be based upon an individual's qualifications and experience levels.
The survey also found that 92 per cent of respondents admitted that a person's appearance could have an impact upon their final recruitment decision.
According to the results of a study by law firm Peninsula, 88 per cent of respondents admitted to a situation whereby a particular job was awarded to the candidate they considered to be the most attractive.
Peninsula's findings are based upon a poll of 2,266 employers.
"Using such a strategy is not without legal risk," said David Price, head of diversity at Peninsula, a firm with a history going back to 1983.
"I can understand that employers want to choose candidates that fit in well within the company, but recruiting an individual on looks alone is clearly not acceptable."
Mr Price also stressed that recruitment decisions should be based upon an individual's qualifications and experience levels.
The survey also found that 92 per cent of respondents admitted that a person's appearance could have an impact upon their final recruitment decision.
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