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Gay News: A gay couple have claimed that they have been victimised by Jobcentre staff because of their sexuality.
By: Nigel Robinson
Staff allegedly laughed at gay couple
Staff allegedly laughed at gay couple
"Gay boys" jibe for benefits couple
30 December 2010
Steve Mellor, 23, and Roy Pearson, 28, have alleged that staff at the Jobcentre in Weston-super-Mare called them “gay boys” and were unhelpful to them every time they came in to claim benefits.
The pair, who have been together for five months, say the staff’s attitude towards them changed when they revealed that they were a gay couple.
When they had been claiming separately, they maintained that they had not received any abuse.
Mellor said: “When we went in on Wednesday to find about Christmas payments we got no help whatsoever, so we started walking away.
“Comments then came from staff such as ‘those two gay boys always come in for information’ while they pointed and laughed at us.”
They also alleged that one of the Jobcentre workers told them that he had been trained to “deal” with people like them.
The Department of Works and Pensions denied this, but said that it would investigate the matter.
Its spokesman said: “Jobcentre Plus is committed to treating all individuals fairly and equally regardless of their sexual orientation.
“We will not tolerate discrimination and will take any allegations seriously. We are aware of this complaint and are investigating.”
