Councillor slams 'derogatory' wording in job advert

DBC asks for someone to deal with 'general public and difficult customers'

A Douglas Borough Councillor has slammed the wording of a council job advert as derogatory and out of order.

The advertisement is for a qualified joiner to join the authority's Housing and Maintenance Section. Among the qualities applicants must have is 'the ability to deal with the general public and difficult customers.'

Councillor Stephen Pitts says that as the job would involve direct contact with council house tenants and some Councillors living in council properties, the wording could be construed as offensive:

In response, Douglas Borough Council says: ‘In certain customer-facing roles in life you can encounter a broad spectrum of individuals with varying personalities, needs and expectations and have to be prepared to interact with people who can be unhappy or dissatisfied.'

‘Any responsible employer recognises that so, naturally, it’s important to let candidates know from the outset that, as well as possessing the relevant skills and qualifications, they are also comfortable handling potentially challenging situations with empathy, patience, and professionalism.’