Remove names from job applications to avoid bias - CBI

Employers' body the Confederation of British Industries has said that "name-blind" job applications should be used in order to guard against bias in recruitment processes.

A report from the CBI published on Monday regarding improving a lag in productivity in Britain is expected to make the recommendation.

President of the body Paul Dreschler told the Guardian that many candidates are receiving an "unconscious bias" from the first moment their CV is viewed by employers.

"One of the ways of tackling this is name-blind applications, removing criteria that could unintentionally bias managers and give under-represented groups confidence that their application will be fairly considered," Dreschler said.

The report also discusses the flailing productivity in Britain, which currently stands around 30% lower than the likes of France, the US and Germany.

"With UK productivity second from bottom of the G7, employee engagement is now more than ever crucial to driving productivity," he added. "But here too there's a problem. Of the world’s 12 largest economies the UK ranks ninth for levels of engagement."

"Raising engagement isn’t about slapping another zero on the budget for the staff Christmas party. It's a complex process which takes time and hard work."

Some major companies in Britain have already got the ball rolling in terms of name-blind applications, including HSBC, the BBC and KPMG. The CBI report will make the move to ensure that this becomes common practice in workplaces throughout the country in years to come.