With many employers aspiring to improve the diversity of its workforce, it is important that this is achieved within the law. Positive discrimination is generally prohibited, however, there are exceptions under the Equality Act 2010, for example, during recruitment and promotion exercises to encourage and train people from under-represented groups if candidates are of equal merit.
Employers should use strategic workforce planning to understand the diversity and skills profile of their workforce. This will assist in assessing whether they are equipped to meet the organisation’s future skills and labour requirements. Following from this, investment can then be made in updating the recruitment process, retaining staff, developing staff, introducing supportive policies and workforce training.
There needs to be a commitment at board level on changing the approach to recruiting within specific target groups while taking care not to exclude other groups which could result in a potential discrimination claim. Advertising and recruitment play a significant role in diversifying the workforce.
This article looking at how to increase diversity in the workplace first appeared in People Management on 11 February 2022.
Specialists in employment law
Speak to one of our experts for astute advice and legal representation
Arrange a callHow can we help?
To get in touch with one of our legal experts please fill in your details.
Explore more insights
Articles 09 July
Could paid carer’s leave be on the horizon?
Is paid carer’s leave be on the horizon? We look at the current position and what a Government…
Articles 07 July
Increasing concern about Employment Tribunal backlog
What is the impact of a backlog of Employment Tribunal cases and how can this be tackled? On…
Articles 06 July
New requirements for a data protection complaints process
Data controllers, which in the context of pension schemes, may include pension scheme trustees, administrators, the employer or…