Telecommunications giant Optus has called an investigation into an online job ad that called for “Anglo-Saxon” candidates at one of its Sydney stores.
The advert, which asked for casual retail consultant at Neutral Bay, said “candidates who are Anglo Saxon” are “preferred”. It has been removed since.
Vaughan Paul, Vice-President of Human Resources at Optus said the ad was “unacceptable” and not reflective of the company’s values.
“This error [is] a clear breach of our advertising standards and commitment to equal opportunity employment,” said Paul. “Optus proudly supports diversity and employs staff representing more than 70 nationalities.
“We… will be investigating how this occurred with a view to taking disciplinary action against those involved.”
However, the company still receives criticism from customers for the impropriety of the ad.
Thanks @Optus for coming out. I’ve been a loyal customer for 14 years and so have other thousands of non Anglo-Saxon Australians. I’ll now switch to another network provider. I also hereby call upon other non Anglo-Saxon Australians to boycott @optus immediately. https://t.co/YqWUUnfdII
— Maker Mayek (@MakMayek) April 13, 2018
. @Optus all Australians? Or just anglo saxon ones? Long time optus customer and asian australian – i would like an apology. https://t.co/tO4ZuxA1TI
— dreskii (@Dre_Vero) April 13, 2018