Job-cutting firms 'should not be in business'

Companies that are only able to survive the ongoing effects of the global economic slowdown by removing members of staff that might cost them money should not be in business at all, an industry expert has asserted. Director of the Institute of Employment Rights (IER) Carolyn Jones states some firms are cautious about hiring women as they believe they may become pregnant and affect their long-term business plans. Such enterprises should not be operating, she asserts. "I wonder if [such firms] ask people if they've been involved in the banking industry or if they've ruined an economy recently when they are recruiting," Ms Jones adds. The IER representative concludes: "If a business can only survive by removing staff that may cost them something, then they shouldn't be in business." Ms Jones' comments follow the publication of research by HireScores.com which indicated 81 per cent of British business managers would ask female job candidates if they were pregnant, planning on having a baby or already a mother if they could.