Ex-offenders could help plug workforce gaps says chamber

East Midlands Chamber has said firms in the region could plug gaps in their workforce by hiring people with a criminal record, after announcing its backing of a new charter.

Last week, an event called “Go Live” took place, launching the Alliance and Employment Charter.

It has been devised by the UK Fair Chance Business Alliance, which  encourages employers to open up recruitment and career progression to people who have previously offended.

It promotes the benefits to businesses and provides employers with resources to safely, successfully and sustainably leverage the talent pool.

The launch gave an overview of the charter, plans for the future and gave details of businesses already involved.

Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “In our Quarterly Economic Survey six out of 10 respondents reported having difficulty finding suitable candidates to fill roles.

“The chamber has supported prisons in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire on their employment advisory boards so supporting the Fair Chance Business Alliance and its ‘Go Live’ event to launch the charter was a natural progression that builds on that work.

“By embracing, not excluding those with a criminal record, businesses can really take advantage of the vast expanse of this talent pool.

“Widening the approach to employment would take the pressure off the recruitment process, increasing the number of skilled applicants and, ultimately, productivity.

“One of the best things about the charter is the way it can provide resources and training to employers that sign up to it.”

Keith Jones, chair of the Fair Chance Business Alliance, said: “Overlooking this large group of candidates at a time when businesses are struggling to both attract and retain talent would be overlooking huge potential.

“Eight million British adults of working age have a criminal record, so to discount the opportunity presented by this talent pool would be limiting employers’ scope to find the best candidates.

“In addition to filling a vacancy, research shows that businesses gain a more inclusive and diverse workspace.

“Not only are businesses that join the alliance likely to see an increase in the number of applications for a role, but customers have the added comfort of knowing the business is community minded.”