Did I really read a job advert for a PA with a B to C cup bra size, or did someone spike my morning cornflakes with a potent alcoholic beverage?

Whilst the latter may provide the most logical explanation – I am afraid I really did read this article…

The BBC has reported that “a recruitment agency called Matching Models has been criticised for advertising jobs for “attractive women”, only as well as specifying [the preferred] bra size”

“Hold on”, I hear you say, “They’re called Matching Models. Surely, they are a fashion model agency? People are overreacting. After all, this is an industry where looks and physique (sadly) does play a huge part.”

Needless to say, curiosity got the better of me and after reading the article I visited the Matching Models website. I learned that they recruit “flight attendants, PAs, hostesses, waitresses, bartenders…” No mention of helping Georgio Armani to recruit the next Naomi Campbell or Kate Moss. The use of old-fashioned gender-focused job titles despite the now well-established gender-neutral substitutes give a less than subtle hint at the person specifications perhaps.

The advert which caught the attention of other media was a PA with “a classic look, brown long hair with a B to C cup“. There are several equally offensive job adverts.

Esther Fagbemiro, a Solicitor from Achor Employment Law (a niche Employment Law firm in Kent) comments: “This article will have drawn a sharp intake of breath from most, including some employers who themselves perhaps fall foul of the more nuanced and subtle manifestations of sex discrimination proscribed by the Equality Act 2010. Employers would benefit from practical and concise information on the subject to avoid adverse publicity and expensive, time-consuming legal claims.”

Others such as The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) called it “appalling, unlawful and demeaning to women.”

To read the full BBC article including a response from the company’s founder please click here.

If you are looking to make an impact, we suggest reading Catchy Job adverts That Stand Out.

If you could benefit from advice on “best practices” relating to job advertising content, do not hesitate to contact a member of our team. We would only be too happy to provide some no obligation advice.

Joel Aldridge
joel@hiringpeople.co.uk
0330 100 2230