UK employers fail to understand the job-hunting habits of Britain's under-represented groups and are missing out on vast swathes of talent, according to a report published today.
 
The study of 1,350 employees, published by the Chartered Management Institute, DWP and Institute for Employment Studies, examined the career aspirations and job-search methods of a range of diverse groups.  

Prejudice remains a key issue, with one in three Asian managers citing racial discrimination as a barrier to career progression. Out of those polled, 76% look for jobs online but only 11% claim to have found suitable jobs via the internet.
And out of 77% who accepted their current role because of development opportunities only 45 % say this has happened.

Commenting on the report, Stephen Timms, minister of state for employment and welfare reform says: “This study shows that it is vital that employers take a close look at the methods they use to attract new recruits and to appeal to all groups, not just a limited band of potential employees. Understanding the aspirations of the whole workforce is key to recruiting and retaining the best employees.”