DAR AL HARB - AUSTRALIA: EMPLOYERS IN AUSTRALIA RELUCTANT TO HIRE MOSLEMS & THEY SHOULD BE IF THE UNITED STATES IS AN EXAMPLE

Employers 'worry over hiring Muslims'
By Gabrielle Dunlevy

EMPLOYERS are overlooking Muslim workers because they fear they may have to accommodate time for prayers or change the canteen menu, an employment service says.

To encourage employers to hire Muslims, the Queensland government has given $19,100 to refugee settlement agency Assisting Collaborative Community Employment Support Service (ACCES Services).

ACCES Services spokesman Michael Krafft said a series of forums beginning next month would "debunk the myths" surrounding the faith.

"I think it's mostly misunderstanding around how often people are required to pray and those types of issues," Mr Krafft said.

"We had one employer believe they would have to change the entire workplace because the canteen wouldn't be able to cater for them."

The forums would try to build confidence in those looking for jobs.

"The fear is probably a little bit greater in job seekers than in the employers," Mr Krafft said.

"Often we have people who won't apply for a job because they believe their dress might mean they are discriminated against."

More than 100 unemployed Muslim people will benefit from the program.

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1) Employers 'worry over hiring Muslims'