REC tells London Mayor ëthe recruitment industry can deliver in diversifying Londonís workforceí

In a submission to London Mayor Boris Johnson, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has highlighted the positive contribution the recruitment industry makes in creating work opportunities.

The Mayorís consultation ëEqual Life Chances for Allí pulls together the key policies and processes that the Greater London Authority has for promoting equal opportunities for Londoners.

Sarah Gordon, Chair of the RECís Diversity and Inclusion Forum, said: ìMany employers in London, particularly SMEs, do not have the knowledge or the resources to know how to diversify their workforces. This is where using a recruitment consultancy can add significant valueî.

The REC encourages its members to sign up to the REC/Jobcentre Plus Diversity Pledge which provides evidence of a commitment to equality and diversity and to actively challenging discrimination. REC also runs a ëDiversity Assuredí health-check. This allows REC members to have their diversity policies and practices fully assessed and receive expert advice on their current policies and practices.

Sarah Gordon continued: ìRecruiters play an important role in encouraging work seekers from all backgrounds to put themselves forward for job roles with confidence. We play an important dual function in helping our clients to diversify their workforces whilst contributing to the Mayorís aim to benefit Londonís communitiesî.

Equal Life Chances for all will aim to use procurement as a mechanism to promote diversity amongst its suppliers.

Tom Hadley, RECís Director of External Relations said: ìProcurement structures must take into account the limited resources of SMEs, who make up 71% of the industry in London. Requirements to ensure suppliers have good diversity procedures in place must be balanced with cost control.î