The UK Treasury has removed a numeracy test from its graduate scheme application process in a move aimed at improving diversity among applicants, according to reporting that cited Freedom of Information material.

The test was reportedly scrapped in 2020 after the department said it had evidence the numerical reasoning assessment was adversely affecting candidate diversity. The change followed an internal review of the policy adviser graduate programme in 2019, which concluded the scheme was not diverse enough.

Internal documents cited in the reporting said the numeracy test created an extra “hurdle” for candidates and produced another point where people could be filtered out of the process. The review and subsequent decision also highlighted the goal of increasing the share of diverse candidates reaching later stages of assessment.

The Treasury also adjusted other parts of its selection process at the same time, including increasing the number of candidates who passed a situational judgment test, described as a step intended to maximise the number of diverse candidates progressing to assessment centres.

The policy has drawn criticism from figures in opposition politics, who argue numeracy should remain a requirement for the Treasury’s graduate roles. The Treasury declined to comment on the specific allegations in the reporting, according to the article.