Employment Equality FAQs #1 - Should I advertise all job vacancies in newspapers?
This is the first in a series of frequently asked questions & answers prepared by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. If you have an equality related query please contact Brian Drury on 90500638.
Q: Should I advertise all job vacancies in newspapers?
A: It is not a legal requirement that all jobs must be advertised in newspapers but you should satisfy yourself that recruitment arrangements do not disadvantage certain groups or sections within society.
When advertising a position, as far as practicable you should:
Ö Advertise widely - so that as many eligible and suitably qualified candidates as possible have an opportunity to apply
Ö Use a range of different media – Avoid only using media predominately read only read by persons who share a particular background. Employers who advertise vacancies on their own websites should also concurrently advertise in Job Centres, or in one or more newspapers, or on online recruitment websites.
Ö Avoid discriminatory language - Use language which is clear, simple and non-discriminatory. do not use vague or abstract words, particularly ones which may allow inferences of age discrimination such as young or mature.
Ö Exercise caution with photographs - Ensure that the advertisement as a whole does not give the impression that the employer might be seeking to recruit a person with a particular "equality" characteristic: e.g. a man or a woman;
Ö Use an equal opportunities statement - Make it clear that all sections of the community are welcome by including an equal opportunity statement.
Ö Declare genuine occupational requirements – If an employer intends to rely on a lawful “genuine occupational requirement” exception, then this fact should be stated in the advertisement, clearly outlining which specific job role(s) the exception applies to.
Additional information is available from: Recruitment Advertising - A Good Practice Guide
The Equality Commission will be delivering a series of policy review workshops for voluntary sector employees over the forthcoming year - for further information contact: bdrury@equalityni.org -t90500638.
EMPLOYMENTEQUALITY | 24 August 2010 - 3:58pm |
