One in three HR leaders face opposition to inclusion schemes, study finds | Prisons and probation
More than a third of UK HR decision-makers said they had faced pressure against equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives in the past year, according to new research.
A new YouGov survey conducted for national employment charity Chance to Work spoke to 565 HR decision-makers and found resistance to EDI is increasing.
The findings raised concerns about the impact on people of faith who often rely on inclusive hiring practices to access employment.
Chance to Work, which supports women bound for employment, has warned that reducing inclusive recruitment risks entrenching social exclusion and undermining efforts to reduce reoffending.
The charity said evidence consistently shows that stable employment is one of the most effective ways to prevent people returning to the criminal justice system.
Last December, a Guardian analysis revealed that Britain’s biggest businesses were withdrawing their public support for Pride celebrations. This follows another investigation by the Guardian which showed that only a third of recommendations made in major reports to tackle systemic racism over the last 40 years have been implemented.
“If this trend continues, accessing work is likely to become increasingly difficult for people who already face serious barriers to employment, including those with criminal convictions,” said Natasha Finlayson, chief executive of Employment Chance.
The findings come at a time when legal and political pressure is increasing on targeted engagement programmes. A charity that organizes internships for black and minority ethnic candidates has been taken to court by an influencer over its failure to offer equivalent programs to white candidates. Employers and charities in the UK fear copycat cases could follow, with some already withdrawing support from the schemes.
The latest research was released amid a conference held at the Department of Justice this week, bringing together HR leaders, employers and engagement experts to address the “trust gap” between employers.
Department of Justice evidence shows that employment is the strongest protective factor against reoffending; this costs the UK economy an estimated £18 billion to £23 billion annually. The conference will examine concerns around risk, disclosure, DBS checks and workplace integration; Organizers say misunderstandings and lack of guidance remain major obstacles.
The government estimates that one in four working-age adults has some type of criminal record; This is a broad measure that includes warnings and minor offenses, some of which may be disclosed in background checks. Campaigners calling for changes to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) have long said it casts too wide a net.
Latest data from Working Chances shows that despite the magnitude of criminal records, more than half (58%) of HR leaders are not confident about hiring and supporting people with convictions.
“When implemented well, inclusive recruitment is not only good for individuals and their families, but also for businesses, communities and the economy,” Finlayson added.
Rayhana, who did not want to give her last name, compared the impact of Working Chance’s support to being reborn.
“I applied and was offered five temporary jobs, which were all taken away when the DBS certificate came back and the employer found out about my conviction,” he said. “I felt like I didn’t exist. Like society wanted to act like I didn’t exist.”
He said his conviction came at a time when his mental health was deteriorating after losing his job and he was determined to rebuild his life. “I don’t want to be small anymore, I want to be a force for good.”
He added: “Working Chance supported me to get my current job two years ago, and the impact of having this job is game-changing. Being able to rebuild my identity feels like a rebirth. Now I’m working, I have the tools to take responsibility, and I won’t go back to my old life.”
A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: “Employment is key to reducing recidivism, which costs the UK economy billions of dollars each year. Evidence consistently shows that businesses employing people of faith benefit from a loyal, skilled and committed workforce. Supporting access to work not only helps individuals rebuild their lives, but also provides wider benefits for businesses, communities and the economy as a whole.”
