N.Z. chemist refused job

Press, 30 June 1982, Page 13

N.Z. chemist refused job

NZPA London A New Zealand chemist. Mr Peter Melling. was refused a job because of his nationality, an Industrial Tribunal has heard. In what is believed to be the first case where a NewZealander has claimed job discrimination, the Newcastle tribunal heard that a leading agency. Hoggett Bowers Search. Ltd. rejected him because an interviewer thought that he was a "nomad." "He closed the interviewsaying that all the New Zea-

landers he had met were nomads, and that 1 was a nomadic New Zealander too." said Dr Melling. aged 28. Dr Melling. who is claiming discrimination under the Race Relations Act. said that he responded to an advertisement for a chemist, placed by Hoggett Bowers, of Newcastle. He said that he was asked a Jot of personal questions during an interview. "He asked me why I had lived in Canada and why I left. Then he asked me why I

had left New Zealand, where I married, and for all the details of my movements." he said. Dr Melling. who has a doctorate of philosphy. was also asked about his accommodation. "I explained that at the time. I was sharing a house, and he wanted to know about the other people." he said. The end of the interview was signalled by the bleeping of Mr Kelly's watch, said Dr Melling. who lives in Wimbledon. South London. He was told that because

he was a "nomadic NewZealander." he probably would not stay in employment. Because of this, he would not be recommended for a second interview. "I then asked to be allowed to explain various things in answer to his doubts, but he just closed the interview," he said. Dr Melling was told by Hoggett Bowers that he had not been shortlisted because there were better qualified candidates for the job. The company denied discriminating against him.