Basic steps to improve EDI are not being met by employers

A new survey analysing the views of employers on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) revealed 41% of large businesses  (250-plus staff) do ‘not state their interest’ in diverse candidates in their job adverts,

Key highlights of the survey, commissioned by the  Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), found that; 60% of the 167 employers interviewed, have reviewed the wording of their job adverts to improve inclusion. Last year it was 54%. However, nearly half of respondents (49%) said they do not state their interest in hiring diverse candidates in their job adverts. This is roughly the same proportion as last year (48%).

Around two-thirds of respondents (67%) do not use name-blind CVs during selection. This is up on 53% of respondents in 2022 – a step backwards – and more than half of respondents (56%) do not have a policy of using diverse interview panels. This has moved little from 2022 when 53% said they did not use diverse interview panels.

Despite greater HR resources  – compared to SMEs, larger firms perform only marginally better than SMEs – 57% do not use name-blind submissions and 48% do not use diverse interview panels. All three results are higher than reported by employers in our 2022 survey.

 Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, said: “Given the profile of equality, diversity and inclusion issues, it is disappointing to see so little action being taken by firms. While a slim majority of employers have reviewed the wording of their adverts, the overall picture suggests there is a lot still to do. Many employers remain either unconvinced about the importance of changing their approach or are relying on old adverts and approaches that will not serve them well. In doing so they also miss out on the business benefits of a diverse workforce, which are only enhanced by the tightness of our labour market now. Pressure to change must come from Boards and executives, as well as government and sector and trade bodies.“

 For further information please visit:www.rec.uk.com.