Watchdog looks at claims over Polish jobs ad

THE government's equality watchdog yesterday said it will write to a major meat manufacturer over allegations of discrimination against British job seekers after the firm advertised for workers who "must speak Polish".

Forza AW, which supplies Asda, reportedly e-mailed out an advert for ongoing factory work on its East Anglia production line via employment agency OSR Recruitment which read: "Applicants must speak Polish. Please call asap!!!!!!"

One British job seeker who phoned OSR to inquire about work was reportedly first asked if he was Polish and then told: "Actually, you have to be fluent because the health and safety training is all done in Polish."

Neil Kinghan of the Equality and Human Rights Commission said: "Any refusal to register an applicant because of their nationality is unlawful."

A spokesman for the firm said the advert was a mistake due to a breakdown in communications.