Businesses told to be more socially aware when hiring
Businesses seeking to secure public sector contracts will need to be more socially aware, such as recruiting people from more diverse backgrounds, eradicating modern slavery and boosting employee employability.
Cabinet Minister David Lidington in a speech today (11 March) will set out a shake-up of the way government contracts are awarded in a bid to ensure they consider their social impact.
Areas which will be now looked at when contracts are being drawn-up by the government will include:
• The use of firms of all sizes, including those owned by under-represented groups
• The safety of supply chains – to reduce the risk of modern slavery and cyber security issues
• Encouraging firms to employ people from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities and from ethnic minorities
• Focusing on environmental sustainability to reduce the impacts of climate change
• Encouraging firms to prioritise staff training to boost employees’ long-term employability
