I like you... You're like me'

Sugarís TV performance carries a bitter sweet message for Britainís workers

British businesses are risking a secure future if they try to copy Alan Sugarís methods of hiring, firing and people management in the current BBC series of The Apprentice.

Sugar is famous for telling contestants: ëyou remind me of myself at your ageí. He is setting UK companies a very bad example. The warning comes from Jane Farrell, CEO of Equality Works, the UKís leading provider of equality and diversity consultancy, training and advice.

ìIt is well known that many people, even subconsciously, recruit staff and build teams around them that to some extent are a reflection of themselves,î says Farrell.

ìUnfortunately when it comes to the difficult task of making redundancies, personal whims and ëgut feelingsí often override a more detached and pragmatic appraisal of an individualís contribution to the business. Often subconsciously, people make judgments on stereotypesî

îRedundancy is both a reality and an ever present threat for millions of people and it is vital that businesses approach this in a sensitive, informed and considered manner,î says Farrell.

ìEven though The Apprentice is essentially entertainment it indicates the pressures and fears that more and more people are facing on a daily basis.î