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HR Tip: Sex discrimination in warehouse

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These questions are being answered by Learn HR, a market leader in the provision of HR and payroll training and nationally-recognised professional qualifications.


Question: "We only employ men in our warehouse because the work is largely heavy lifting and humping. We believe that this is fair to women and is not discriminatory. Would appreciate you confirming this."

HR Tip: This certainly is discriminatory and you are wide open to be taken to court for sex discrimination by the next woman you reject. First you should consider introducing appropriate mechanical aids to help all employees do their jobs more easily and safely. This may thereby boost productivity and reduce the incidence of absence caused by injuries. Second you should give all otherwise suitable candidates a test. Give them something like the work they will have to do and see how well they can do it. You may be surprised at the physical capability of some unlikely looking people – male and female.

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