The Scottish Secular Society recently blasted a job advert posted by the Trussell Trust because they believe it to be "discriminative towards other beliefs and those of no faith". The Dundee Foodbank posted a job application for a new manager on Facebook in which they stated that the position was for a committed Christian and church member.
The Scottish Secular Society has called for the Trussell Trust to change the advert calling it an "insult to thousands". The Citizens Advice Bureau commented on the issue, they said that it was against the law to offer jobs to a specific faith group but added that it was acceptable to suggest that applicants belong to a certain religion if it will be an important part of the job.
The Scottish Secular Society argue that the advert is openly discriminating against those of other faiths and including those who have no faith, they commented:
"Whilst we applaud the work that Dundee Foodbank do, we do not applaud the closed shop employment policy they hold against those of other faiths and none." "There is no law in this land that allows an employer to openly discriminate against those of a particular faith, yet here we have another example of discrimination towards other beliefs and those of no faith." "Dundee Foodbank is closely linked with Tesco: imagine the outcry if the supermarket chain started advertising jobs for everyone but excluded Christians".
"What Dundee Foodbank, and it is not obvious they are a Christian organisation, are effectively inferring is that unless you are a Christian, you are unfit for the role. This is an insult to the thousands of non-Christians who hold charitable roles across the country".
Scotland Network Manager for the Trussell Trust, Ewan Gurr responded to the argument:
"In my experience, the role of a Trussell Trust Food bank manager necessitates the delivery of duties such as leading church services, speaking to a number of church groups, working with predominantly church-based stakeholders and, in some cases leading prayers".
"To be expected to carry out these responsibilities without being open and transparent about the need for them could be deemed to be equally as, if not even more, inappropriate than appointing someone to a position in which they feel uncomfortable or are expected to deliver ain areas that may conflict with their own values."
"I expect Dundee Foodbank would not wish to put any employee in such a position, which is why the advertisement has been very clear about their desire that the successful applicant be a person of Christian faith." "However, the Foodbank continues to welcome the support and involvement of people from all backgrounds in its work to alleviate hunger for people in crisis".
Posted by Amanda Hopkins
www.premier.org.uk
