Oct 7, 2016

Survey results: Brits think the best looking get the best jobs

Brits believe attractive people are more likely to get jobs, and have called for tougher laws against appearance-based discrimination, according to Office Genie research.

Following the Matching Models controversy, Office Genie can reveal some 81% of working Brits think attractive people are more likely to get a job. Similarly, 80% feel attractive people stand a better chance of being promoted.

Finally, it was also discovered, as many as 12% of respondents have been asked to supply a photo along with an application.

In response, 75% of British workers want strong legislation put in place to prevent discrimination based on the way employees, and candidates, look and dress.

Our survey of 1,400 working people found women were much more adamant about such legislation than men. Some 79% of women surveyed wanted tougher rules, while 66% of men were also in favour.

However, a similar number (60%) would be willing to do so if it meant getting their dream job.

Peter Ames, Head of Strategy at Office Genie, said: "The fact 80% of people feel looks can have an impact on employment is truly alarming. It speaks volumes of the playground politics that, as we have seen this week, is still very present in recruitment.

“Ultimately, British workers clearly feel they are not being protected against the sort of appalling discrimination we’ve seen this week.”

"The way someone looks, and the way they dress, is as much a part of someone as their race, personality, gender and so on - and the current legislation is simply not tough enough.

"The fact millions would be willing to change their appearance for a ‘dream job’, and the fact an overwhelming majority feel the best jobs go to the best looking, shows how mind sets need to change universally regarding appearance in the workplace."

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