A PARISH council refused to rearrange a job interview for a woman who was going to her mother’s funeral.

Josephine Platts applied for the part-time job of clerk and finance officer to Elm Parish Council and was delighted to be asked to attend an interview.

But when her 90-year-old mother died she realised the funeral in Sheffield would be on the same day as her interview.

Her partner, Robert, said: “She obviously phoned to rearrange due to the mitigating circumstances but the interview panel flatly refused, asking why she couldn’t phone sooner to rearrange.

“Sorry, but she didn’t know she was going to be asked to attend for an interview, moreover she didn’t foresee her mother’s death.”

Ms Platts, 56, has been looking for a job since moving to the area in January and was astounded by the uncaring attitude of the council.

Robert said: “Anyone else would have said how sorry they were and rearranged the interview. I am incensed at the way she has been treated over this. She is a hard worker and didn’t deserve to be treated in this way.”

An unrepentant chairman of the council John Brand, who has been chairman for just four weeks, said: “ You set a date for the interviews and she stated she would be available any time. You cannot just change things to suit one person.

“It was unfortunate and I did have a word with the others doing the interviews but they said the date had been set and we should stick with it. I did feel sorry for her but it was just one if those things and now the job has been filled by a very experienced person.”

The couple, who plan to marry in August, were given an apology by Councillor Brand. However, Robert said: “Thank you Elm Parish Council for your kind consideration and compassion in this matter. I hope you found your ideal employee, and it is to be hoped you don’t treat him or her in the same uncaring manner.”