smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

Trying to hire staff

There’s no getting round the fact that great ideas are...
Have your say »

RSS

Video CVs 'could discriminate'

Nov 07 2008

A rising use of online video CVs to apply for jobs could leave candidates open to a new form of discrimination, an industry body has warned.

The Recruitment Society says the recent introduction of video CVs from job site MultilingualVacancies.com could lead to them being commonly used.

Steve Huxham, chairman of the organisation, states if it became the standard way to apply it could be 'highly unfair on people' as some may not be naturally gifted in front of the camera.

People who are not photogenic or are not very outgoing presenters may be discriminated against, even if their job does not relate to communication, he says.

Huxham comments there is also the possibility of prejudice occurring against the race, age or gender of applicants, which could not occur with a paper CV.

In addition, to create the video CVs applicants would need a webcam and microphone, which many may not already own.

MultilingualVacancies.com says it is using the tool so applicants can display their language skills to potential employers.

Comments

There are currently no comments on this article

Prize Draw

Smallbusiness.co.uk has teamed up with Avery® Quick&Clean™ Business Cards to offer five lucky readers the chance to win a copy of BBC Dragons' Den James Caan's new book The Real Deal and a pack of Avery® premium heavyweight business cards. To enter the prize draw, simply answer our question here

Polls

Latest News

SMEs lacking pension schemes

The vast majority of SMEs do not offer workplace pension schemes, according to a survey by advisory body the Association of Consulting Actuaries (ACA).

No minimum wage increase, urges business group

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is urging the Low Pay Commission (LPC) to recommend a zero per cent increase on the National Minimum Wage (NMW).

Firms 'should consider long-term cost of redundancies'

Firms should consider the ultimate cost of redundancies and use them as a last resort to cut outgoings, after it was revealed it comes at a price of over £16,000 per employee.

Unemployment hits 10-year high

The number of people out of work reached 1.86 million in the last quarter - the highest levels since 1997.

Regulation halts hiring

Regulation surrounding employing staff is putting small firms off hiring new people, despite the candidates being out there, an organisation warns.

Companies 'should focus on staff skills'

The current climate makes it more critical for businesses to invest in developing people and increasing their skills.

Safety representatives 'key' for businesses

Safety representatives are crucial to achieving successful health and safety in the workplace, the watchdog's boss says.

Bosses should help fight staff obesity

Employers should help staff battle obesity with healthy eating options, as it will lead to a more productive workforce.

Bosses 'need to tackle stress'

Company bosses need to identify stress in staff early and ensure they are tackling it before it becomes a more serious problem, an expert advises.

Work bullying 'could get worse'

Nine in ten people think they are a victim of workplace bullying, with one organisation warning this could get worse in the credit crunch.

Redundancies should be 'last resort'

Redundancies should be a last resort as they cost companies on average £10,000 each time and lead to a loss of credibility.

Guides & Tips

How to fight workplace bullying

Bullying affects up to one in ten employees. But intimidating behaviour, as displayed by presenters Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross, can go unnoticed. Here Steve Williams, head of equality services at employment expert Acas and SmallBusiness.co.uk offer some tips for banning bullying.

Avoiding stress in the workplace

Stress at work is no laughing matter, with 13.5 million working days lost to businesses last year. Here, SmallBusiness.co.uk and charity The Eden Project offer some tips to defuse office tension.

Redundancy: softening the blow

It is never easy making someone you know redundant. But it can be even harder when you’ve worked closely with them in a small business environment.

Don't Miss

Redundancy is not the only option

Many SMEs will have to control staffing costs over the coming months. Smallbusiness.co.uk has teamed up with Simon Kite, a partner at chartered accountants Saffery Champness, to offer some tips on how to cut costs and avoid the redundancy route

Recruiting for a small business

The recruitment process can seem daunting if it’s your first time, especially given the importance of hiring the right staff.

Webchat: The employer's apprentice

Stephen Gardner, director of apprenticeships at the Learning and Skills Council and Gina Mcdowell, finalist in the Large Employer of the Year category of the Apprenticeship Awards in 2006, are taking part in a live webchat to educate employers about recruiting apprentices for business success.

Store

FT Guide to Personal Tax

Formerly the Lloyds TSB Tax Guide, the FT Guide to Personal Tax is now published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc and Jonquil Lowe, this unique guide gives step-by-step advice to completing your tax return as well as 100 tax-saving tips.

FT Guide to Business Start Up

Formerly the Lloyds TSB Small Business Guide, the FT Guide to Business Start Up is now published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc, this unique guide has sold over two million copies. It offers practical advice about starting and running your own business.

Growth Company Investor

Growth Company Investor is widely recognised as the leading magazine for investors interested in AIM and smallcap companies. Published 10 times per year, and brought to you by an award-winning analyst team, it offers subscribers unrivalled insight into high-potential smaller companies. Subscribe today with a 50% discount in your first year.