People have been left outraged after a pub posted a job advert but said that "Karen's", "Darren's" and "wet wipes" should not apply.
The Sanddancer South Shields caused a stir with the strongly-worded job listing shared to Facebook. But the pub is standing by the advert, which the owner said he "copy and pasted" from another business.
The provocative post was shared last week, alongside a warning that the "some may be 'offended'" by the advert.
It read: "We’re looking for an awesome ASSISTANT MANAGER, who wants a job: to jump on board with us, we don’t want Karen's or Darren’s, so please no wet wipes, or Debbie downers, I’ve heard it all before that you’re rude, you’re unprofessional, that we're the problem, you’re childish blah blah, jump on your phone and dial 0121-go-do-one as you’re not what I’m looking for!
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"We need someone that can hit the ground running, and not have to be told again and again, and still not take it on board, we’ve wasted so much time and money, we just want someone who has a work ethic to succeed, commitment and accountability! Someone that can at least turn on the lights and tvs on a morning!"
The post continued: "Seriously now, if you’ve got the experience within a managerial role within hospitality, let’s say 2 years as a minimum requirement, with no coke, crack habit or drink problem or wants to use the bar to peddle their drugs, and definitely someone who hasn't got mould under their finger nails I think then that’s a good start, after all we are a food establishment!
"Is it too much to ask that someone is fully committed, wanting to kick arse and help us grow our brand, who takes things on board and works with us and not against us, if that sounds like you-then get in touch, we want our potential superstar who will come to an interview looking casually presentable and on time and not look like they’ve been dragged through a hedge with the motivation of a sloth.
"You can’t bring your friend, dog, or cat to the interview either, and don’t even think of walking through the door with a can of monster in your hand – I think you catch my drift.
"Simply put, we DO NOT want applicants who just want to show universal credit that they're applying for jobs with absolutely zero intention, you must have experience and knowledge in the hospitality industry, with that drive and passion to succeed! And just to make sure, please read this ad again to make sure you've ticked the boxes."
The advert then listed the role's responsibilities and hours, before adding "So you’ll be missing your Emmerdale and all that stuff."
It concluded: "It’s not minimum wage, and no I’m not putting how much as it depends on experience and other things, there are many factors to consider. Could be 20-30% above minimum wage, but it’s all based on experience and what can be offered.
"We’re based at South Shields, on the beach, so do your research if you want a job, and yes my punctuation and grammar are not the best, but we are here to serve customers not write the next thesaurus.
"If you're whingy, dull and find this offensive, move on as we want to put the fun back into work."
And the post quickly divided opinion. On the one hand, people loved the pub's approach.
"Love it. WELL said. Hope you find the right one! No good beating around the bush! Honesty is key," wrote one person.
Another agreed: "Well I absolutely admire you for not mincing your words."
But many were left disgusted by the advert.
"This is a disgraceful advertisement. Absolutely disgraceful," read one comment.
And people accused The Sanddancer of copying the post from Welsh dessert shop, Shorties, who previously shared a similar job advert.
But the pub's owner Edd Hilton defended the advert. He told the Mirror he "copy and pasted" the advert after seeing other businesses use it to successfully find staff, and that it did help to attract applicants.
He said: "We have tried conventional platforms and websites for jobs with he same mundane ads of hours, duties, salaries and we are not generating interest as there are hundreds of similar roles available in the local area. The same for chefs and kitchen staff."
Mr Hilton also explained that he decided it was time "to change things up" after holding an initial round of interviews.
"We know we copied and pasted the ad," he admitted.
"It's not like we are stealing his potential candidates, I believe it originated in Wales, and we are on the beach in South Shields.
"The original ad creator was probably in the same position as a lot of hospitality staff and management and sick of wasting time on interviewees that turn up not wanting to work nights, or weekends."
He added that hospitality businesses have "lost a middle ground in staffing" due to "2 years of progression lost", and clarified "wages would be set on the person's experience and what they bring to the offer."
Mr Hilton concluded: "We get the ad wasn't for everyone, and not everyone can understand the workings and challenges working in hospitality brings, but it was done light hearted, nothing serious, and to get the message out to a wider audience that we were looking for our next little superstar!
"Those that missed that probably didn't read the ad twice, like the original poster said!
"And as for the brilliant owner/manager of Shorties, where the post originated, the offer of a pint and a meal still stands if he ever pops in for a visit!"
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