Unemployed ex-offenders are being overlooked for jobs and could help fill the 1.1 million vacancies in the UK job market, a report has claimed.
Britain is “facing one of the worst labour shortages in its history”, the year-long study said, arguing that the vast numbers of people commonly overlooked for jobs should be targeted.
The Good Jobs Project, led by the business charity ReGenerate, said homeless people, young people in or leaving care, refugees, those with mental health problems and over-50s are also not being given employment opportunities.
The project, launching on Monday, is supported by established businesses including the bakery chain Greggs and the key-cutting firm Timpson.
James Timpson, the chief executive of Timpson, said: “It is too easy for talented people to be held at arm’s length because they may have a criminal record, are neurodivergent or have a physical disability.
“I have seen first-hand how looking past such issues, and hiring on talent and character alone, not only benefits society by giving people a second chance, but helps businesses thrive too.”
Roisin Currie, the chief executive of Greggs, said: “We’re passionate about people and believe that everyone deserves the chance to thrive in employment.
“By not overlooking potential employees – be that because of their past or disability – we can select the right person and develop them to their full potential.
“We’ve been working with people leaving prison for a number of years through our dedicated Fresh Start programme.”
Many employers take a “blanket ban” approach to hiring people with criminal records, excluding potentially suitable candidates, the report claimed.
Its foreword said: “Over the last year the UK has experienced record-breaking vacancies, which currently stand at 1.1m, which many businesses are struggling to fill.
“As ever, UK businesses are innovating to remain successful but are operating in a very complex environment.
“Simultaneously, there are millions of individuals from communities that have been historically excluded, including people with disabilities, prison leavers and single parents who face difficulties in finding flexible employment opportunities.”
Only 17% of ex-offenders are in work within 12 months of leaving prison and half of employers would not consider recruiting applicants with a criminal record, according to government data.
The report argued that such recruitment is not only good for business but also philanthropic.
Ed Boyd, ReGenerate’s chief executive, said: “The solution to the UK’s record labour shortage is hiding in plain sight.
“There are millions of potential workers who are rarely given a chance because they may have disabilities, criminal records or are neurodivergent.
“Yet these people could make great employees, and make a major contribution to making companies more successful. It is a real win-win.”
