The head of communications at Queen's University in Belfast was accused yesterday of deliberately downplaying a job candidate's experience to prevent him gaining promotion.
Mr Patrick McWilliams, who claims he was denied the post of publications manager at the university despite being the most qualified candidate, told a Fair Employment Tribunal that his boss, Mr Tom Collins, had been keen to mark him down during selection.
"Tom Collins deliberately played me down at all times by understating my experience and underscoring my presentation when he had a crucial role in setting the tone for the deliberations of the panel."
Mr McWilliams, who has worked at the university for 15 years, said he had been responsible for producing a range of publications, including the 2001 undergraduate prospectus.
The 39-year-old Catholic from Lurgan, Co Armagh, claims he was discriminated against because of his religion and gender. The job went to a Protestant woman in August 2000.
He said that within days of the publications manager starting her new job, it was clear she had little knowledge or experience of this field of work.
"It was only when the successful candidate came to Queen's I began wondering what experience she brought to the post. Her lack of knowledge, especially in print management, made me wonder how on earth she was appointed," he said.
"The consequences of this appointment were devastating to me personally in terms of my confidence and morale. They have taken a huge blow." Mr McWilliams accused the four-member selection panel, including Mr Collins, of not checking the details on his rival's application form.
He said that in detailing a previous job, she had described her duties as "publications/ communications manager". But a reference supplied by that employer described her as an "information officer".
Mr McWilliams asked: "How did the interview panel fail to spot the contradictions over the job detail and duties and responsibilities?
"The contradiction should have led to more detailed investigation of her application form. This didn't happen and disadvantaged my application enormously."
Mr McWilliams also claimed he was much better qualified than the successful candidate but received lower scores from the selection panel. - (PA)