BBC blunder as job advert asks for candidates who ‘identify as DEAD’ to apply for sought-after role
A BBC blunder saw a coveted job role advertised for candidates who “identify as dead”.
The broadcaster was promoting a new full-time assistant producer role at Audio North, in the classical music department, based in MediaCity UK, Salford.
The Manchester-based role was being advertised via its mailing list as part of the BBC Extend Programme which aims to take “positive action” in making it more diverse.
In particular, the programme is aimed at those who are deaf, disabled or neurodivergent.
However, instead of the job description reading “identify as deaf”, it instead said: “to apply, you should identify as dead, disabled or neurodivergent”.
This mistake was reportedly shared on a classic music news website.
Unfortunately for the BBC, it was quickly picked up on by readers.
“I think they might mean ‘dead inside,’ which applies to an overwhelming majority of today’s population”, one person commented.
A second wrote: “Proof-readers anonymous has a hotline for troubled marketing operatives…they’re awaiting your call.”
“Hahahaha! I laughed far too hard at this than I should’ve”, a third laughed.
While another teased: “I know of at least three people who are entirely qualified for that position, only they don’t know that.”
It appears as though the spelling mistake featured on the careers mailing list but not the advert on the BBC Careers website.
The full advert reads: “This role is advertised as part of our BBC Extend programme for disabled people.
“To apply for this role you should identify as deaf, disabled or neurodivergent and must meet either: the definition of disability in the Equality Act (2010), or the definition of disability in the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) if applying in Northern Ireland.
“You’re broadly defined as disabled under both acts if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative or adverse effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.
“This definition includes both apparent and non-apparent conditions and impairments, and medical conditions such as Cancer, HIV or Multiple Sclerosis.”
The position has a salary of £27,500 to £37,500, depending on experience.
It is open to candidates who meet the requirements under the definition of disability in the Equality Act 2010 or the Disability Discrimination Act of 1995.
The Sun have contacted the BBC for comment.