Transforming the Labour Market: The Social Recruitment Covenant in 2025 and Beyond
January 06, 2025Posted by:
The Social Recruitment Covenant (SRC), founded by PeoplePlus and the Social Recruitment Advocacy Group (SRAG), is setting an ambitious agenda to address the UK’s labour market challenges. Building on the momentum of its landmark launch at Westminster in November 2024, attended by the Minister of Employment, the SRC is poised to become a cornerstone of inclusive recruitment and workforce transformation across the nation.
The State of the Labour Market in 2025
The UK faces significant labour market challenges - here are just a few:
- Construction Shortages: The industry needs 250,000 workers to meet project deadlines and an additional 159,000 to achieve housing targets (Financial Times).
- Skills Gaps: One in five employers reports difficulties in filling critical roles (The Telegraph).
- Wage Growth Pressure: A 5.2% increase in wages signals tight labour market conditions (Financial Times).
These statistics underline the urgency of developing inclusive recruitment practices to unlock untapped talent pools and drive economic growth.
2024: A Year of Laying Foundations
The Social Recruitment Covenant achieved significant milestones in 2024, including:
- Westminster Launch: A high-profile event that solidified the SRC’s position as a national initiative, garnering support from government and industry leaders.
- Action: Equipping over 1,000 employers with actionable strategies for inclusive recruitment.
- Community Hiring Events: Demonstrating how local partnerships can create pathways to employment for underrepresented groups.
What Does Success Look Like in 2025?
In 2025, the SRC aims to:
- Engage New Employers: Expanding the network of businesses committed to inclusive recruitment.
- Create Opportunities: Enabling employment for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Offer Expertise: Sharing best practices and initiate innovation in recruitment strategies.
By achieving these goals, the SRC will not only address immediate workforce shortages but also create a sustainable foundation for long-term economic resilience.
The Power of Partnership
The success of the SRC is underpinned by collaboration. PeoplePlus, with over 30 years of experience in employability, prison education, skills training, and community care, brings a proven track record of creating social value. Between 2018 and 2022, PeoplePlus supported over one million individuals, helping them access meaningful opportunities and achieve their potential.
This expertise is complemented by strategic partner; ANTZ UK’s grassroots approach, which delivers £6 million in annual social value through strategic partnerships. Together, these organisations are driving a unified vision for a more inclusive and equitable labour market.
Why the Social Recruitment Covenant Matters
The SRC is more than a recruitment initiative; it is a movement to re-imagine the future of work. By embedding social value into recruitment practices, businesses can:
- Address critical labour shortages.
- Build a diverse and resilient workforce.
- Demonstrate leadership in social responsibility.
Join the Movement
As we embark on this journey in 2025, we invite businesses, policymakers, and community organisations to join us. Together, we can turn the vision of the Social Recruitment Covenant into a reality, transforming the UK’s labour market and creating opportunities for all.
Stay tuned for updates and success stories as the SRC continues to expand its reach and impact.
We're making 2025 a year of transformation and shared success - be part of it.
Sign the Covenant
January 06, 2025Posted by:
