BOND GIRLS
Sorry, James! MI5 only wants women & ethnic minorities as new spies
THE name’s Bond… Jane Bond.
MI5 is recruiting trainees – but bosses only want women and ethic minorities for the roles.
The intelligence agency says it will not be considering applications from white males, in a bid to improve diversity in their ranks.
The move comes just months after Lashana Lynch thrilled cinema-goers as new 007 Nomi in No Time To Die.
Security chiefs are looking to recruit surveillance officers to trail suspects and protect the country “against threats to national security”.
But anyone too tall has also been told not to apply, along with candidates with tattoos on their hands or face.
The job advert reads: “The UK has a highly diverse population, so it’s vital that we too have a diverse team who can operate in a wide range of environments without attracting attention.”
But it warns: “Any distinguishing features such as tattoos on your face, neck or hands would make you more recognisable to someone who is under surveillance and would therefore make you unsuitable for this role.
“Likewise, if you are male you will need to be 6ft 2in or under, and females must be 5ft 10in or under.
“We’d be particularly keen for candidates who are female or from an ethnic minority background to register their interest for these forthcoming opportunities.”
It later adds: “Please note that we are confining registrations of interest to the above groups only, due to their current under-representation in our workforce.”
New signings will be paid £37,755 to follow subjects identified as potential threats to national security.
Successful applicants will be invited to take part in a non-residential fulltime 20-week training course based in London.