The Body Shop announces new hiring scheme to target employment barriers

The Body Shop has revealed its open hiring programme, which aims to bring down employment barriers for marginalised people often excluded from work.

The initiative will see the elimination of background checks, screening and education requirements to fill temporary in-store roles during the peak trading period.

The Body Shop have teamed up with Movement To Work to create the scheme, which will begin with retail, distribution centre and head office operational roles.

Antonia Tony-Fadipe, Global Functions Inclusive Hiring Lead at Body Shop UK, said: "Open hiring focuses on a person’s potential rather than their history, and we’ve seen it can be a powerful way to find talented and loyal employees. A programme like this gives people equal opportunity in a real way.

"One of The Body Shop’s key principles is to be a business that’s a force for good and we’re proud to be removing employment barriers for those who may have been excluded from work."

Job applicants will be asked just three questions; whether they are legally authorised to work in the UK; whether they can lift 11kg; and whether they can work for up to eight hours in one shift.

The scheme aims to encourage people who frequently face employment barriers to apply, this includes people who have been homeless, care leavers, younger carers and those who may face racial discrimination.