To remove barriers to employment, The Body Shop Australia says it will fill all seasonal roles in-store through its inclusive Open Hiring Program.

Following last year’s success, the retailer says its Open Hiring initiative removes traditional barriers and bias to employment and provides experience, skills and training to participants. 

Partnering with local charities such as Launch Housing, Little Dreamers and APM Employment services, the retailer has encouraged First Nations Australians, young carers, refugees and those experiencing homelessness to apply for seasonal retail positions. 

The interview process forgoes educational requirements and background checks and only includes three simple questions to participants: Are you legally authorised to work in Australia? Can you lift up to 11kgs and work an eight-hour shift in one day? and Are you happy to work with customers? (not an essential condition). 

At last year’s program, candidates who have traditionally faced barriers in employment filled more than 34 per cent of seasonal roles. Continuing with the scheme, 530 Christmas casual positions will be made available this year.

Shannon Chrisp, Apac brand and activism director, said breaking down discriminatory barriers to employment can have a powerful impact. 

To tackle the current skills shortage crisis, she encouraged businesses across Australia to be more “inclusive” in their hiring practices and “prioritise a person’s potential over their history”.