Job ad which asks for a photo - legal?

[Rockatansky]

I'm aware of a company advertising locally for a new member of staff, and their ad asks that you forward a CV and a photo (of yourself).

I don't want to give the game away, so suffice to say that the post is not one where your looks should matter (i.e. it's not modelling etc).

Initially I thought that it was just a case of the owner making sure that your face 'fitted', but I dare say it could also be construed (potentially) as discriminatory in sex and/or race and/or age.

So, is an ad like that lawful and if not what - if anything - can be done about it?

[mrmr96]

There's more than just modelling where looks may be considered to matter. In some peoples view even a sales role would be better filled by a person with a certain type of look.

Do you have a personal interest in the job or the company or anyone going for the job? If not then I wouldn't let it bother you too much. If you do have a personal interest then there are other courses of action to persue.

[Rockatansky]

mrmr96 said:

Do you have a personal interest in the job or the company

The company is one of my competitors, so I guess I'm just sh*t stirring.

[mrmr96]

Rockatansky said:

mrmr96 said:

Do you have a personal interest in the job or the company

The company is one of my competitors, so I guess I'm just sh*t stirring.

Glad you're honest about your intentions.

If I were you then I wouldn't let it bother me. Your business would probably benefit more if you channeled the effort you're planning to put into this into something productive within your own firm.

Or just get even and hire yourself an attractive secretary too! Either way I wouldn't waste time on what your competitor's up to, but that's just my opinion and you are, of course, free to take whatever action you wish.

[Jasandjules]

Rockatansky said:

So, is an ad like that lawful and if not what - if anything - can be done about it?

I'd imagine that a well qualified candidate who did not get the interview and was Asian, Disabled, old etc.. could give an ET claim a go on discrimination grounds....

[Rockatansky]

mrmr96 said:

If I were you then I wouldn't let it bother me. Your business would probably benefit more if you channeled the effort you're planning to put into this into something productive within your own firm.

Thanks, thats good advice, I'll move on my world domination plans in another way