AN employment expert is warning companies across Bolton about discrimination when recruiting for jobs.

Neil Coombes, head of employment law at Waring and Co Solicitors in Bradshawgate, Bolton, said the recent report from the Equalities Review - which showed the most disadvantaged group in the labour market are women with partners who have children under the age of 11 - should be a wake-up call to employers.

The report found that they are 45 per cent less likely to be successful when looking for work, compared to men. It also said the most disadvantaged ethnic groups are Pakistani and Bangladeshi women who are 30 per cent less likely to be successful in a job application compared to a white man or woman, while disabled people are 29 per cent less likely to be successful finding work compared to non-disabled candidates.

Mr Coombes said: "This report demonstrates the real dangers employers face when recruiting staff.

"Whilst an employer may never set out intentionally to discriminate against any particular group, the figures speak for themselves.

"Intention is irrelevant and certainly not a defence at an Employment Tribunal. All employers should have up-to-date equal opportunities policies to include recruitment and they should be prepared to justify why unsuccessful candidates were not appointed. Keeping notes of interviews and using objective selection criteria will go a long way to helping an employer defend a claim of discrimination."