The purpose-driven business solution to the UK’s labour shortage

This report highlights the opportunity to use the current labour crisis as a catalyst to encourage more businesses to intentionally seek to employ those that have traditionally been distant from the labour market. It emphasises the need to bridge the awareness-action gaps, improving data quality for investors, and implementing financial incentives to encourage businesses to engage.

The Good Jobs Project confronts the UK's pressing labor shortage over over 1 million vacancies by advocating purpose-driven recruitment strategies, particularly targeting marginalized groups. This report initiative brings together diverse stakeholders, including businesses, government bodies, investors, and support organisations, with a shared goal of creating a triple-win scenario - by helping employers fill vacancies, providing meaningful employment for marginalised individuals, and contributing to societal benefits such as increased productivity and reduced worklessness costs.

The report reveals challenges and opportunities in promoting inclusive recruitment practices and notes a gap between employers awareness of the opportunity and their actions to lower barriers to their jobs. It emphasizes the importance of tailoring solutions for different business sizes and sectors.

The report underscores the pivotal role of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) agenda, the need for intentional inclusivity, and the influence of financial incentives in de-risking the recruitment of marginalized groups.It calls for government policy reforms, investor-driven initiatives, and improved business network coordination to create a supportive environment for purpose-driven recruitment.

The findings are rooted in original research, including a survey of 500 hiring managers and over 30 interviews with HR professionals and recruiters.

Lead author(s): Harry Brown, Clem Martin

Related reports:

• Unlocking youth employment. Opportunities for employers and marginalised groups

• The purpose-driven business solution to the UK’s labour shortage. A spotlight on the West Midlands

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Collaboration: We are grateful for the kind support from Q5, Clarasys and Board Intelligence.

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