Jobseeker told applying a 'waste of time' unless hijab removed

An applicant has been told that, due to her headscarf, there is no point in applying for a prospective job – the NZ Herald reports.

Mona Alfadli applied for the role of Retail Assistant at jewellery store Stewart Dawsons in New Lynn, New Zealand. She claims she was told going for the job was a “waste of time” if she didn’t remove her hijab.

The James Pascoe Group - who own Stuart Dawsons - subsequently issued a stern warning to staff that any discrimination would not be tolerated.

Alfadli said: “I felt embarrassed as it took a lot of courage to walk into the shop and speak to the manager regarding a job, especially since I was afraid of the rejection.