A Spokesperson for the Equality and Human Rights Commission said:
“The EHRC has consistently recommended gathering and reporting employee data by ethnicity, disability, age and sex, including for recruitment, retention and promotion. This will help employers know that they are treating their staff fairly, and to implement actions where necessary to improve diversity.
“Mothers from ethnic minority backgrounds should not feel forced out of the workplace by having children. A diverse workforce benefits business.
“A wider range of views, skills and experiences within an organisation can usually lead to better, more informed decision making.
“Taking specific steps to improve equality in the workplace - such as eliminating bias in recruitment and offering flexible working at all levels - can lessen disadvantage, increase participation and be good for a company’s reputation and profit. But first employers need to understand the specific barriers to equality in their workplace, including pay gaps by people’s race or ethnicity.”
Notes to Editors:
- In 2018 the EHRC called for mandatory reporting for organisations with over 250 employees on staff recruitment, retention and promotion by ethnicity and disability.
- Our 2016 report, Healing a Divided Britain, also found that a significantly lower percentage of ethnic minorities worked as managers, directors and senior officials compared with White people.
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