Job ad sparks debate over hiring rights

A job advertisement requiring applicants to be single has drawn criticism from trade unionists, who argue that a person’s relationship status should have no bearing on their suitability for employment.

In the advertisement, the organisation sought an administrative coordinator for a full-time, hybrid position in Jamaica. Among the qualifications listed was the requirement: “Must be single.”

The advertisement, the application deadline for which has passed, also requested applicants to have a degree in administration, communications, graphic design, business or a related field, along with strong organisational and interpersonal skills. The successful candidate would be responsible for managing correspondence, coordinating meetings and events, maintaining records and providing administrative support. However, the advertisement offered no explanation as to why an applicant’s relationship status was relevant to those duties.