An advert on Twitter for a “good looking girl” to work in the front office of a property agent provoked a storm.
The advert was placed by Modelling Network in Cardiff.
A longer version of the advert appeared on Facebook, saying: “Looking for a good looking girl to work in the front office of a property agents in Cathays, Cardiff to get the students in.”
It was seen by no less than former Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman, who helpfully tweeted: “This is unlawful under Equality Act.”
Copying in Cardiff Central MP Jo Stevens, she demanded to know if the Equality and Human Rights Commission was going to do anything about it.
EHRC tweeted to say that it would investigate, and thanked Harman for bringing it to its attention.
Others joined in, with one tweet saying that not only was the advert unlawful but blatantly sexist, but some took the opportunity to hurl abuse at Harman.
Both the Tweet and Facebook posts have been deleted.
We have invited the agent apparently named at the bottom of the Facebook post to comment.
Bet all those offended weren’t good looking!
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How dare you.
“I think Harriet Harman is gorgeous.”.
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Is this the same Harriet Harman who had a pink “battle bus” for the general election campaign and was accused by many of being sexist ? !
BBC Headline “Harriet Harman has hit the campaign trail in her pink battle van – amid a storm of ridicule on social media.” http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31412425
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Well remembered, Peter. One of the most condescending moves by a politician in years.
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Whats the problem? least they are being honest, every employer wants a presentable member of staff 😉
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Unfortunately off the mark there smile…..they didn’t ask for a presentable member of staff, they asked for a good looking one……not on – whichever way you dress it up.
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It was tongue in cheek wilko, don’t worry. but lets face it most employers as Anonymous Coward points out below know what they want but cannot advertise it
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It’s not like they have stated they wouldn’t hire a ‘less attractive’ girl, an older woman or a man. That’s what they were looking for.
I was looking for a three bed detached in immaculate condition with two toilets, garage and landscaped garden next to my chosen school. I bought a three bed end terrace which needs decorating, has one bathroom, no garage and is outside the catchment area.
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Hi CL – nice to see you again… it’s been a while!
Pity that a couple of plugs didn’t ‘get’ where your post was coming from – but don’t worry I’ve ‘Liked’ your post twice to even out the score.
Ironic that the only female posts a balanced comment that doesn’t meet with the approval of some!
Never mind – don’t stay away as long next time!
Love to Country Lad and Country Baby (or should I say ‘Young Lass’…) from me – and no doubt Jonnie will tip up in a jealous rage! ;o) x
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Hi PeeBee!
I’ve always been around, just rarely had the time to comment!
I’m not saying that if I went for the job and they threw my CV straight out because I don’t fit their idea of ‘attractive’ I wouldn’t be offended and a bit upset, but it would be their loss. I can see why people are annoyed about it, but is it really that big a deal? If he wants Kate Moss then he can pay her wage!
I’ll let CountryLad and YoungLass know you’ve asked after them,
xx
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This is a real problem, but how you deal with it for real? Who knows?
Please do not “dislike” me for presenting the case – it would be useful to read your comments…
Example:
I want to hire someone.
Given the nature of my business (estate agent in a semi-affluent area outside London with very little ethnic diversity in it) my ideal candidate is a well educated, 40 year old woman who had children in her mid 20s.
She needs to be attractive without being too good looking – remember that it is usually the woman that makes the decision to buy – the last thing I need is for her to be put off because her hubby is ******* after the neg!
Oh, and it would be handy if she was white.
That is the truth of the job role and the owner of a small business is not allowed to say a word of any of that.
Please note that I do not own my own business or have any responsibility for hiring staff – which might be a good thing 😉
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I have been censored – the word l_u_s_t was not appreciated. I didn’t think it was rude. My apologies to all
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“That is the truth of the job role and the owner of a small business is not allowed to say a word of any of that.”…..
No , and quite rightly it is against the law….Reason; to try and eradicate the narrow minded employers that may still be in existence and still believe in outdated, stereotypical ideologies to fill certain job roles.
Ability to do a job is the only marker that should be used by employers when looking for staff.
Oh, and in your example was your small business owner Alf Garnet????
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“Ability to do a job is the only marker that should be used by employers when looking for staff.”
I’m 5’2, 16 stone, have a huge body odor problem and sweat profusely, but I get 8 in 10 valuations on, when can I start Wilko?
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Joking aside, wouldn’t most agencies want someone who could achieve this conversion rate? I would probably include some sure extra protection in the salary package, along with a gym membership…. and an additional weight loss linked bonus scheme…..now when can you start?
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Is asking a larger man to go on a diet not as bad as asking for a good looking girl? 😛
See you Monday
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I think we’ve drifted into talking about 2 different, un connected issues now. If someone has the ability to a job well, and starts that job, it is an employers responsibility to at least try to assist with any health issues that may affect the individual or the team as a whole (weight being a potential individual health issue and odour affecting the team in which the employee works)
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I didn’t say that they should be rubbish at the job – I want a superstar performer as well.
I am not intending to go out of my way to be sexist, ageist, racist or discriminatory in any way except one.
I don’t think that my example is that untypical.
How about turning it on it’s head?
Again, please don’t “dislike” me for presenting the case.
I own an estate agency that sells/ lets property in an area dominated by a particular ethnic group (pick one Spanish / Asian / Jewish / Polish / Welsh???).
So far my whole company is staffed by people of that ethnic group and I am also of that ethnic group.
I have been careful to avoid using the word “minority” on purpose.
We all know that High Street estate agency is not National estate agency – the country is made up of thousands of High Streets.
As that business owner what would I do?
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As a business owner do what you want, that’s we we all have started our own business so we can run it the way we like and feel comfortable.
As long as you do not break any laws fill your boots!
If you have an idea what you want an applicant to be / look like you may not be able to advertise it but you can just keep interviewing until you find it.
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And in that post SP you neatly remind us all that no matter what legislation is passed, individual prejudices, bigotry, and preferences will always influence who is chosen for a particular role. I say that not as a criticism of you by the way, just agreement, and in recognition of how the world really works no matter what some naive people may think.
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Frankly, I would not want to work for a firm who just wanted good looking people. Then again, they would not want me!
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Some of the previous posts ring true – in many cases employers know darn well if they want a male or a female – political correctness is, in many cases, rediculous.
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they wouldn’t want you i presume due to poor spelling!
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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Seem to remember that all brides are beautiful so he should be OK if he put married!
Next time your walking passed a corporate agent see how many gonks they have working for them.
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Good grief, and I thought politicians were only interested in their LANDLORD BASHING ACTIVITIES seems Ms Harman has her thoughts elsewhere.
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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I only got my job cos I’m tall
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Ms Harman better write to The 007 Franchise then and deal with all those Bond Girls!…. surely equality issues there!? Zzzzzzzzz…… get on with some proper work for the UK Taxpayer Ms Harman!
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Perhaps Ms Harman should tell the Government by calling all landlords “rogues” they are breaching the equality act!
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Whilst it is wrong in this day and age. The bottom line is if they didn’t specify, they would interview all and sundry and then employ (in their opinion) the “good looking girl.” Saves a lot of time and heartache for those they would never employ.
Surely a better way of advertising would have been “a well presented person?”
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