B&Q accused of humiliating job interviewees with face pulling

13 April 2012

DIY giant B&Q came under fire today after candidates at job interviews for van drivers were asked to dance and pull funny faces.

Several jobseekers attending an interview at the firm's store in Norwich faced the bizarre request to dance.

The Jackson 5's hit Blame It On The Boogie was played and some were photographed by managers.

One of those interviewed said he felt like an "idiot" as well as being embarrassed by the unusual request.

Ed Blissett, an official of the GMB union, which has members at B&Q, said: "This is utterly bizarre. It seems to reduce jobs our members do to some kind of joke."

"It is time that B&Q stops this nonsense."

B&Q said in a statement: "This session was run as the Norwich store was looking to recruit a large group of store based staff.

"The candidates were offered tea and coffee when they arrived and this was followed by a light hearted exercise before the formal interview process began.

"We made it clear to all of the candidates that they did not have to take part if they did not feel comfortable and that it would not influence the recruitment process at all.

"The vast majority of interviewees said that it was a relaxed way to get the interview session under way.

"This practise isn't a formal part of our recruitment policy although our stores are encouraged to make sure candidates are relaxed before going into the interview process."

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