Young people have externally assessed 202 rural Leicestershire employers websites and their job application processes.

The assessment has been designed and is delivered by young people to see if an employer meets young people’s criteria and expectations when applying for jobs online. 

This work is being led by Access Generation CIC, a social enterprise involved in the Work Live Leicestershire (WiLL) project.

The WiLL project, which is being led by sight-loss charity Vista, and funded by the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund, aims to help over 500 people into work, training or learning opportunities in rural areas.

Eight members of the peer panel of young people aged 18 to 30 completed the latest Rural Employment Accessibility research which found;

• 1 in 5 employers do not offer entry-level roles
• 70% of organisations failed to promote themselves as an employer
• Only 6% of employers demonstrated a positive attitude towards diversity and inclusion

Some of the peer panel members are also living in rural Leicestershire.

Suraya, a member of Access Generation’s peer panel, said: “I live in a rural community and since graduating I have found it hard to find employment. I would love to see more local employers offering graduate or trainee positions and making the job application process supportive to someone who hasn’t got the experience yet.”

The Rural Employment Accessibility Report is now available on Access Generation’s website and includes insights and top tips to help employers become more attractive to the next generation. 

Access Generation has outlined its commitment to rural employers inside the report. 

Jemma Redden, Director of Access Generation, said: “We want to support rural employers with their employer value propositions to make them an attractive employer for future generations.

“We have committed to supporting up to 20 employers by giving them a sponsored report and assessment of their website and job application process. This forms the basis of an accreditation based on young people’s expectations and perceptions.”

Employers who are supported by Access Generation will be promoted and celebrated through PR and case studies.