UK employers are missing out on a substantial talent pool by failing to adapt recruitment processes for candidates affected by the care system, criminal justice system or unsupported neurodivergence, according to new research from MSL UK and Bridge of Hope Careers.
The report, ‘Hiring for Grit’, found that 82 per cent of system-impacted candidates believe their background has cost them employment opportunities, despite evidence that many have developed the skills needed for resilience and adaptability through adversity.
The research highlights the scale of the issue, as more than 12 million people in the UK have a criminal record, around one in five are neurodivergent and thousands of care leavers enter the workforce each year.
All respondents facing multiple barriers said they felt restricted during their job search, while seven in ten reported continuing challenges after securing employment. The study also found that more than half of those experiencing multiple barriers avoid LinkedIn, citing concerns over privacy and trust.
The report argues that traditional hiring processes often screen out candidates with valuable attributes and calls on employers to place greater emphasis on potential rather than conventional credentials.
As businesses continue to face skills shortages, the findings suggest that widening access to overlooked talent could offer both social and commercial benefits.
