Employers in the motor retail industry need to tackle a perceived bias around social class when recruiting for their businesses.

That’s after one in two of 50 automotive employers surveyed by CV-Library believes discrimination about class is an issue when hiring.

When asked about the areas they make pre-judgements on during the recruitment process, four in five automotive employers admitted they consider the way a candidate speaks and one in three considers where they are from.

The majority of the employers admit these influence them when assessing job applications and during interviews.

The survey also found one in four of 200 automotive workers has felt discriminated against because of their class during their job search, particularly relating to where they’re from and how they speak.

Three in four of the workers believe legal measures should eliminate discrimination on social class, while only one in three employers agrees this is necessary.

“Tackling discrimination around age, race, disability and gender have long been key focal points for companies, but little is talked about it in relation to social class,” said Lee Biggins, founder and chief executive of CV-Library.

“The TUC has already called for stronger workplace rights to counter the class privilege that remains in Britain today, but businesses hold responsibility too.

“Ensuring that your recruitment process is fair for all applicants is crucial; especially if you’re already struggling to find the talent you need to fill your vacancies.”

“Pushing more responsibility on businesses to stamp out class prejudice is certainly something the Government should be considering right now; particularly as the country is at risk of wasting the skills and resource of some of our most talented workers.”

CV Library recently claimed that half of automotive professionals don't have confidence in their career prospects, and many feel unwilling to ask for promotions or pay increases.