The UK food scene is a vibrant sector but often misses a trick: the immense potential of those who are locked out of the job market. This isn’t just unfair, but also a missed opportunity for the sector itself.
Imagine how much better things could be if we helped people who are facing problems find work – like refugees rebuilding their lives, people with disabilities, or those with past convictions seeking a fresh start.
In essence, it is about human dignity. Everyone should have a chance to work and feel good about what they do. If we leave people out, it makes our society more divided, makes people poorer, and stops them from growing. If we instead welcome them into the food industry, it will allow them to get back on track, find their feet and actively shape their communities for the better.
Good for business
In fact, there are plenty of reasons for the businesses themselves to hire people from diverse backgrounds. People from different parts of the world have different ideas and ways of solving problems, which can make businesses more creative. People who have overcome tough times often don’t give up easily and work hard. These are great qualities for any job. And lastly, having a more inclusive workforce is an appealing factor when looking to recruit top talent.
In the UK, there has been a rise in food-focused social enterprises that showcase the transformative power of inclusive hiring. They aren’t just producing amazing food and drink products, but also dismantling the barriers that keep people out of work and giving them genuine job opportunities. They are showing us all there is a way of doing business that not only helps people but also makes money.
Some of the leading players include Redemption Roasters (a coffee roastery that gives barista training and employment to ex-offenders), Old Spike Roastery (another coffee roaster that focuses on employing individuals experiencing homelessness), and Nemi Teas (a specialist tea company I founded that recruits and trains refugees, and in most cases gives them their first employment opportunity in the UK).
These are just a few examples of the inspiring work being done in the UK food sector. Their success shows inclusion is not just a feel-good initiative, but a viable and impactful business model. The UK food industry has a long way to go, but hopefully this is the start of an inclusive hiring revolution.
Pranav Chopra, founder of Nemi Teas
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