The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is looking for built environment professionals to share their views on recruiting ex-offenders.
The barriers to hiring ex-offenders in construction are at the centre of a new survey CIOB has launched.
Through the research, CIOB will explore the possibility of reducing industry-wide skills shortages by working alongside the prison system.
Construction firms, including Willmott Dixon and Bouygues UK, are already adding ex-offenders to their workforce and CIOB wants more companies to follow suit.
Niamh Evans, policy and public affairs officer north at CIOB, said: “It is no secret that the construction industry faces a nationwide skills shortage in the UK.
“Industry figures suggest an extra 224,900 people need to be recruited in construction jobs by 2027, or an average of 44,980 a year if the sector is to meet expected demand.
“Our survey aims to assess whether construction companies currently employ ex-offenders, understand their perception of this work, and gain insight into the barriers they face in recruiting ex-offenders.”
CIOB is looking for a broad range of respondents from across the construction industry to help shape the research.
Evans added: “Whether you or the business you represent has experience in recruiting ex-offenders or not is irrelevant as we’re keen to understand a mixture of views.”
To take part in the research study, visit: www.ciob.me/exoffender. The closing date for responses is Friday 29 September.
Anyone who responds to the survey will have the opportunity to enter a prize draw to win a £75 Amazon voucher.
