The DWP have launched an employer toolkit designed to help businesses recruit and retain people from disadvantaged groups including the long-term unemployed, ex-offenders and single parents. The guidance offers expert advice on tried-and-tested ways of reviewing staffing practices and a step-by-step guide for how to introduce open recruitment to the workplace. Open recruitment means removing unfair and unnecessary barriers by opening doors, welcoming and appointing talented staff from disadvantaged groups, i.e. the long-term unemployed, ex-offenders, those who have been placed in care, recovering addicts, homeless people, single parents or military veterans. Having an open recruitment policy covers everything from the job advert and questions asked, through to the people invited to interview.

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