One in three HR leaders face opposition to inclusion schemes, study finds
A new study by the charity Working Chance reveals that over a third of HR decision-makers in the UK have faced resistance to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives in the past year. This pushback is seen as a barrier to employment for people with criminal convictions, who rely on inclusive hiring practices. The findings come amid legal challenges and concerns that rolling back such schemes could increase reoffending and social exclusion.
- ▪More than a third of HR decision-makers reported facing opposition to EDI initiatives in the past year, according to a YouGov poll for Working Chance.
- ▪The charity warns that resistance to inclusive hiring undermines efforts to reduce reoffending, as stable employment is a key protective factor.
- ▪Legal challenges, such as a case against a charity offering internships for Black and minority ethnic candidates, are raising fears of copycat lawsuits and withdrawal from targeted inclusion programs.
- ▪A Ministry of Justice conference addressed employer concerns about hiring people with convictions, including misconceptions about risk and DBS checks.
- ▪Working Chance's data shows 58% of HR leaders lack confidence in recruiting and supporting individuals with criminal records.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Working Chance said the opposition to EDI schemes undermined efforts to reduce reoffending. Photograph: Andrew Milligan/PAView image in fullscreenWorking Chance said the opposition to EDI schemes undermined efforts to reduce reoffending. Photograph: Andrew Milligan/PAPrisons and probationOne in three HR leaders face opposition to inclusion schemes, study findsExclusive: Resistance to equity, diversion and inclusion drives affects hiring chances of people with convictions, says charityAamna Mohdin Community affairs correspondent Sun 3 May 2026 03.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleMore than a third of HR decision-makers in the UK said they have faced pushback against equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives over the past year, according to new research.The new YouGov poll,…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at World news | The Guardian.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from World news | The Guardian
