A YouGov poll commissioned by Working Chance found that more than one-third of HR decision-makers in the UK have experienced pushback against equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives in the past year. This trend raises serious concerns for individuals with criminal convictions, who often depend on inclusive hiring practices to secure employment. Natasha Finlayson, the chief executive of Working Chance, emphasized that scaling back these initiatives could deepen social exclusion and hinder efforts to reduce reoffending. The charity highlighted that stable employment is one of the most effective ways to prevent individuals from returning to the criminal justice system, which costs the UK economy an estimated £18bn to £23bn annually. The findings come amidst increasing legal and political pressures on targeted inclusion schemes, with fears that such challenges could lead employers to withdraw support from these initiatives. Despite the prevalence of criminal records among working-age adults, 58% of HR leaders reported feeling unconfident in recruiting and supporting individuals with convictions. The Ministry of Justice reiterated the importance of employment in reducing reoffending, noting that businesses that hire individuals with convictions benefit from a loyal and skilled workforce.