'Mystery shoppers' to test businesses for discrimination

Federal consumer affairs minister Kris Peeters has announced the approval of new legislation that allows the use of “mystery shoppers” – investigators who pose as ordinary customers to check the conduct of shops and other businesses. Previously, the use of such covert operators was in breach of privacy rules.

The concept of mystery shoppers became an issue last year, after it was revealed that temp employment agencies were discriminating against job applicants based on ethnicity. Consumer advocates argued that mystery shoppers could help discourage or uncover such discrimination.

“Mystery shoppers are useful in cases of unfair business practices,” Peeters said, to test if sales staff, for example, are giving proper and complete pre-contractual information, or checking whether the customer is old enough to make the purchase. “The ultimate aim is better protection for the consumer and more confidence in honest business practice.”

In related news, a college graduate who had been unemployed for six months changed his name from Mohamed to Kyan and got a job within two weeks, according to an interview in Bruzz. Mohamed Kabendji graduated two years ago with a degree in computer graphics but, despite applying for many jobs, never got an interview until he changed his name. He then had a job offer within two weeks.

“Diversity is a reality in Brussels, but sadly discrimination is, too,” said Caroline Mancel of Actiris, the Brussels region’s employment agency. “The figures speak for themselves. Unemployment among people of Belgian origin is under 10%. For people of North African origin the figure is over 30%.”

Photo: Ingimage