Gender bias in recruitment requested by more than a quarter of employers

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2021-02-04 06:00

International

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International scientists say around 28 per cent of clients ask recruiters to avoid hiring a particular gender so new employees 'fit' with colleagues, and many recruiters bias the hiring process to keep their clients happy. The findings are based on a pair of studies, one from Ireland and one from the USA, and the researchers say many hiring professionals appear to view the act of channelling others’ biases as “part of the job”, regardless of their personal attitudes. This practice endangers gender equality and diversity efforts in the workforce, the researchers warn.