An unemployed man claims he was shamed by Jobcentre staff for wearing an ‘inappropriate’ T-shirt that read: ‘Nobody knows I’m gay.’
Shaun Clark, 28, hit out at staff for ‘discrimination’ and says he will continue to wear it as an act of defiance.
The job-seeker, who has been on Job Seekers’ Allowance for around four years, said: ‘I am proud to be gay and I don’t think there is anything wrong with the T-shirt.
‘I have always worn a shirt and tie to an interview but I feel there is nothing wrong in wearing the T-shirt to the Jobcentre.
‘It is discrimination.’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4acZUbAbeR8
A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions said that its staff advise job-seekers on the best possible ways to find work.
The spokesman added: ‘Our Jobcentre Plus advisers up and down the country work hard every day supporting people into jobs and treating everyone fairly.
Staff in our Burnley branch encourage all job-seekers to dress in smart interview attire, as employers regularly attend and recruit directly from the Jobcentre.’
Shaun argues he had worn a shirt and tie to a recent interview with the Best Connection group and was waiting to hear back from them about a job offer.
He plans to continue to wear the T-shirt to appointments at the Jobcentre, in Burnley, Lancashire.
Shaun added: ‘I dont think you should be told what to wear. There is nothing wrong with the T-shirt. It is not scruffy and I am always smart when I go to my appointments.
‘I think they are unhappy because of the slogan on the T-shirt.’
Thoughts?