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Agency apologises for racial ‘misunderstanding’ with job candidate

Sydney creative agency Banjo has apologised for a “misunderstanding” after a job applicant claimed she was told she was not suitable for the role because the agency already had too many “brown skin people”.

Banjo apologised on Thursday evening after the post from the applicant on Facebook began to circulate widely.

Surungi Emily Hohol - Banjo racism

The Sri Lankan woman, Surungi Emily Hohol, posted that she was “livid and seriously irritated” after claiming she was told that she was not suitable for the role as the agency “already had two other Indian people”.

She claimed the interviewer said “the client might be alarmed by having three brown skin people attend a meeting”. The agency insists that a lighthearted comment, made in the context of a successful interview, was misunderstood.

The full post said:

The injustice of racism – I’m livid and seriously irritated by this.

Yesterday I had an interview at a creative agency in Sydney and was told that due to being brown and Indian (though I am Sri Lankan) and have lived in Australia for 27 years I wouldn’t be suitable for the role as they already had two other Indian people. Direct quote “the client might be alarmed by having three  brown skin people attend a meeting”

Seriously what is wrong with people…

The comment quickly began to circulate with people expressing outrage at her alleged treatment.

Banjo releasing a statement to media and clients late on Thursday evening describing the situation as “an unfortunate misunderstanding”.

In the statement CEO Andrew Varasdi said the comment had been made to set the candidate at ease.

“The senior staff member who conducted what was a very positive interview, made a casual remark at the end of the interview, which was intended to set the person at ease. Unfortunately it was taken out of context and has since gained some notoriety on social media,” the statement said.

“Needless to say, the Banjo staff member is deeply upset by the incident, which occurred yesterday. There has been a lot of media attention on the issue of equality – including race, gender and sexual orientation, and age – in recent times and we acknowledge that emotions can run high.”

The full statement from Banjo:

In the course of expanding the account management team at Banjo, an unfortunate misunderstanding has occurred during an interview with a candidate, for which Banjo would like to offer an unreserved apology.
The senior staff member who conducted what was a very positive interview, made a casual remark at the end of the interview, which was intended to set the person at ease. Unfortunately it was taken out of context and has since gained some notoriety on social media.
Needless to say, the Banjo staff member is deeply upset by the incident, which occurred yesterday. There has been a lot of media attention on the issue of equality – including race, gender and sexual orientation, and age – in recent times and we acknowledge that emotions can run high.
Andrew Varasdi, Banjo Managing Director said: “The feedback I received was that the interview was a very positive one, reflected in an email sent immediately to the recruitment company that was complimentary of the candidate, and addressed the possibility to explore further opportunities with Banjo.
“Our position on this remains unchanged. When I learned of the situation I immediately contacted both the candidate and our staff member to offer my empathy and support. I have arranged to meet with the candidate first thing in the morning (Friday 5 August) to reassure her of our policies on recruitment.”
In Banjo’s seven-year history, the agency’s recruitment policy has always encompassed not only hiring the best possible talent, but also ensuring that the staff spans all ages, genders and ethnicities.
Varasdi said: “We couldn’t possibly deliver on our promise that our clients come first, if our own staff did not reflect the Australian community. We are always prepared to offer our clients the best advice to connect with their customers.”
Banjo’s current staff includes 50% women in senior management and 50% women overall, and half of the staff are from ethnic backgrounds including India, Asia, UK and South America.
“We are extremely proud of the make up of our talented staff, which is reflective of the diversity of Australia. We hope that we will be judged on our record, and that all candidates who consider joining us at Banjo will do so too,” Varasdi said.

Mumbrella understands that Varasdi was meeting with the candidate this morning to discuss the situation.

Mumbrella has also seen an email sent to the recruiter shortly after the interview in which the interviewer said the candidate was possibly right for the role, although the agency wanted to see more candidates.

“Loved her positive energy and I definitely think she has loads of experience,” the email said.

“So definitely (name removed) is on the cards, but we would also like to meet other candidates as well before we come to a decision.”

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