Man told store job 'for women only'

A JOB-SEEKER claims he was refused the chance to apply for a job because of his sex.

Former construction worker Rob Stevens was told there was "little point" applying for a part-time sales assistant position at Hobbs womenswear because he is a man.

The Bridlesmith Gate store has refuted the claim, saying it already has a male employee and is an "equal opportunities employer".

The father-of-three, who was made redundant seven months ago, said he enquired about the job on October 17 out of desperation to find work.

Mr Stevens, 41, of Gunthorpe, said: "I've been looking for work but it had got to the point where I was walking around the city centre getting application forms from any shops. By the time I went into Hobbs I was already feeling pretty desperate. I asked for an application form but left feeling dejected."

Mr Stevens has now found a consultancy job elsewhere.

His wife, Sally, 41, said: "My husband went into Hobbs to pick up an application form and was asked who the form was for.

"When he replied that it was for himself, he was told that there would be little point as they normally employ women.

"When he said that this was discrimination, he was asked to leave the shop.

"The Hobbs website says they are an equal opportunities employer – this is clearly not the case."

A Hobbs spokesman said: "It is an integral part of Hobbs' equal opportunities policy to recruit and retain employees whose skills, experience, approach and attitude are appropriate to the requirements of the various positions, regardless of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or age.

"At Hobbs, we view equal opportunities and diversity seriously and earlier this year to demonstrate our commitment to equal opportunities, everyone in the company from our directors to part time employees in our stores, including our team in the Nottingham store, received training on equal opportunities and diversity.

"Hobbs would welcome an application from this person and if he is interested he should send his CV. We currently have a male employee in our Nottingham store."

bryan.henesey@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk