The attractive people get the job

Almost 9 in 10 bosses admit to have given the job to the most attractive candidate as Peninsula, the employment law firm's latest research shows. The research which polled 2266 employers across the UK throughout February found that many employers have at some stage given preference to someone because of their attractive looks rather because of skills and experience.

- 88% of respondents who interview admit that they have at some stage chosen candidates because they were attractive rather than based on skills and experience

- 92% of respondents say that appearance at the job interview can influence their decision on who gets the job

David Price, Head of Diversity for Peninsula said today: ìAre you discriminating against potential employees because of how they look? If so then youíre not alone. It seems that many interviewers are guilty when it comes to looks influencing their decision. I was surprised at the number of people who have based an employment decision on looks and itís turning into a new form of modern discrimination. Using such a strategy is not without legal risk. Most employers know better than to base employment decisions on appearance that is related to legally protected factors such as race, age or disability but it seems occasionally these factors are abandoned.î

Price continues. ìBefore you label people because of their appearance, look at their qualifications and experience. Am I surprised at the survey findings? No not at all, people not only look at qualifications but they buy into the person; therefore appearance and attractiveness can have an influence on who you employ. However the decision should be based on qualifications and experience. 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.î

Unfortunately society will never be free of discrimination and it's a shame because the person not being given the job may have been the best candidate. Employers who discriminate are likely to find themselves at employment tribunal because of indirectly discriminating. There is a real danger that you may discriminate indirectly on the basis of age and sex without intending to do so and could potentially open the door to costly litigation.

David Price provides advice to employers and employees ìCompanies need to ensure that they have robust recruitment processes in place to document why candidates were successful or unsuccessful. All management should be trained in equal opportunities and actively promote diversity in the workplace. If an employer insists on only employing attractive people, for example, there is a danger they are indirectly discriminating on an age basis.î

Price continues, ìThe overweight, tattooed and unattractive are not currently specifically protected by discrimination laws but employers should beware of breaking disability discrimination if appearance of being overweight is due to illness. Some employers see being overweight as an example of lack of discipline and current legislation does not protect perfectly capable people. Employers could be missing out on the best candidate because of their prejudicial attitudes.î

Price concludes; ìEmployees at interview should be themselves, use the interview to sell yourself on your achievements and qualifications, look smart and presentable and most of all be positive.î