West Yorkshire Police recruitment discrimination claims 'baseless' - Tracey Brabin
It follows reporting in The Telegraph suggesting that white candidates are being placed at a disadvantage
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin has described claims of discrimination against white candidates who apply to join the local police force as 'completely baseless'.
It follows reporting in The Telegraph, which spoke to an alleged whistle-blower, and claimed candidates from white backgrounds were being 'blocked' from applying to the force as part of a diversity drive.
It also raised concerns that candidates from under-represented backgrounds are being allowed to apply for jobs earlier than white counterparts, effectively allowing them easier access to opportunities.
West Yorkshire Police says it strives "to be more representative of the communities we serve"
Currently, just 9% of the workforce at the organisation is from an ethnic minority background, compared to 23% of the population of West Yorkshire.
The force says it uses a system called 'Positive Action', which allows people from under-represented groups to complete an application which is then held on file until a new recruitment window is opened.
"Enabling people from under-represented groups to apply early does not give them an advantage in the application process, it simply provides us with more opportunity to attract talent from this pool of applicants" a statement from the force claims.
"No interviews are held until the window is officially opened to all candidates."
Many UK police forces stagger the recruitment of new officers, with candidates offered several routes to join including studying for a degree or taking on an apprenticeship.
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said: "It’s absolutely right that West Yorkshire Police reflects the community it serves."
"That is how it builds trust, understands communities, and prevents crime.
"These claims are completely baseless. West Yorkshire Police doesn’t discriminate in its recruitment process, and we fully support its efforts to diversify the force."