Businesses must use training and technology to remove gender discrimination from recruitment practices, according to diversity consultancy, The Clear Company.
In light of a recent survey from graduate recruitment app, Debut, which revealed that more than 40% of women faced inappropriate questioning during the hiring process, the diversity and inclusion specialist has urged employers to consider upskilling interviewers to refresh their understanding of what is and isn’t appropriate. The firm further recommended that organisations incorporate technology where possible to assess and manage talent objectively in order to reduce unconscious bias.
The Clear Company also used these findings to remind business owners of the potential legal implications of incorrect hiring procedures, as the consultancy’s Director, Kate Headley, explains:
“UK law states that candidates cannot directly be asked about their health, love life, age or plans to have children during the recruitment process, yet this practice still occurs. The Debut survey revealed that 27% of women had been asked about their relationship status – each of these interviewers were inadvertently breaking the law, potentially due to a simple misunderstanding as to what is and isn’t deemed acceptable.
“If this is allowed to continue, companies will be exposing themselves to extreme risks and could face legal action for inappropriate hiring practices. By incorporating the correct training of interviewers and the use of technology to manage assessment, it’s possible to remove much of this risk and improve the company’s employer brand.
“The examples cited in these reports – including one from Carol Vorderman whose physical attributes were quoted as a reason why she didn’t get a job – demonstrate that women are still facing severe discrimination in the hiring process. In my view this simply shouldn’t still happen in today’s world where inclusion is cited as a key priority for businesses and employers alike.”
VERCIDA works with over one hundred clients who are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. If you are an employer and interested in working with VERCIDA to promote your diversity and inclusion initiatives and attract the best candidates, please call 02037405973 or email [email protected] for more information.
We are also officially recommended by Disability Confident as a step on achieving Employer status, pleaseclick herefor more information.
VERCIDA works with over one hundred clients who are committed to creating an inclusive work
environment. If you are an employer and interested in working with VERCIDA to promote your
diversity and inclusion initiatives and attract the best candidates, please email
[email protected] for more information.
0%
Profile
completeness
Did you know that users who have filled in their profile details are 42 times more likely to get matched with the right employer?
Help us find the best workplace for you by sharing more about yourself.
We will never disclose your information with others.
dunnhumby wins Insight Transformation of the Year at the Forum's Awards 2022
We’re proud to have won Insight Transformation of the Year at The Forum's Data, Analytics & Insight Awards 2022.
The Forum Awards celebrate businesses and individuals dedicated to raising...
Natalie Davies
Tell us about your role. What does a day in your life at Capgemini look like?
In my role as an architect, I’m responsible for shaping technology solutions for clients. This can invol...
Meta: Engineering-led Culture and the Opportunity to Tackle new and Different Challenges
After a successful 30-year engineering career, Allan M. was still eager to learn and grow and in 2017; he joined Meta in London to lead engineering for Ads. Established more than ten years ago, Meta i...
Looking for a new job? 5 ways to tell if an employer actively prioritises ED&I
How can you tell if an employer values and is committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion? Do you believe you’ll be joining a workplace that has a welcoming and open environment? Is it...