Businesses urged to help Hackney's diverse communities get in-demand digital tech skills and jobs
Hackney businesses are being urged to participate in a survey to help the borough's diverse communities overcome barriers to digital tech skills and jobs.
We know businesses in Hackney aspire to have a workforce that mirrors the local labour market by hiring employees who reflect all community groups - because improving diversity, equity, and inclusion is not only the right thing to do, it's also good for business.
However, Hackney's underrepresented and low-income communities face barriers to opportunities in this sector. In a recent survey, residents reported that their top three barriers to digital tech careers are:
- Not having the right skills or qualifications
- Needing work experience to apply
- Not being confident enough to look for opportunities in this sector
Their top three barriers to skills and qualifications for the sector are:
- Not knowing what jobs are available and what qualifications are needed
- The high cost of studying
- Not having anyone to advise them about courses and training options
Hackney is a prime location for companies involved in digital tech. The sector is growing six times faster than other industries, presenting an opportunity for the sector to foster greater diversity across protected characteristics to deliver an inclusive economy, where everyone in Hackney - irrespective of background - has the chance to thrive and prosper.
Last year, we set up a Commission to understand residents' barriers to digital tech jobs and skills and explore how we can work with local employers to overcome these challenges. Today, we're urging businesses to share their views and shape the next stage of the project.
We would like businesses to complete a short survey to help us understand what they see as the biggest barriers to local recruitment for digital tech jobs. We want to hear their views about what skills are needed and what should be done to address diversity and inclusion challenges.
Businesses can complete the survey by visiting our website.
The Council is also keen to hear from businesses who may wish to become more involved in the Commission by participating in roundtable-style discussions. If your organisation wants to participate, the survey has a section to provide contact details.