Harriet Harman’s proposed equalities laws on recruitment are “a recipe for disaster” which will make discrimination in Britain worse not better, according to classical liberal think tank, Progressive Vision.

Mark Littlewood, communications director of Progressive Vision, said; 

“These ludicrous plans are a recipe for disaster. They would lead to job recruitment being based on political correctness rather than merit. 

“To allow gender or race to act as a tie-breaker in a close contest is offensive and immoral. Many recruitment processes can be close – but dead heats are rare. Rational employers should seek a further round of interviews or take up additional references.

 “If being a white man can be the determining factor in failing to get a job, where will this logically end? Should those without degrees be preferred to Oxbridge graduates? Or should comprehensive school applicants be chosen above those with a public school background?

 “These proposals will lead to resentment, arbitrary decision-taking and risk making discrimination in Britain worse not better.”