Adecco confronts discrimination in the workplace

Today, Adecco announced the launch of ëAdecco Plusí, a dedicated programme focused on integrating potentially disadvantaged groups into the market. This will involve the development of specific services addressing the ageing population, diversity and disability within the workplace.

Ageism within the labour market is no longer simply a problem for the over 50s. Research has found that age discrimination can start as early as 42 (Sanders and Sidney Survey), creating negative working environments and motivation problems, therefore the effect on workplace productivity is immense.

Despite recent changes to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), discrimination is still a major contributor to under-achievement, low self-esteem, and a prime cause for individuals giving up work due to poor health.

Adecco has always strictly adhered to a skills-matching policy when recruiting job seekers, ensuring companies employ the right candidates without prejudice. However Adecco believes there is still scope to explore and develop representation of these groups providing fairer access to recruitment services, leading the debate for an open, accessible labour market and ensuring these groups are recognised and valued.

Richard MacMillan Adecco UK MD explains, ìAdecco Plus will be a specialist programme within our core business, which is aimed at breaking down the barriers to access recruitment services. At Adecco we believe in equality of opportunity and that people should only be placed on the basis of skills and ability.î

The Adecco Plus initiative will provide:

Diversity Monitoring ñ Adecco will work closely with all employers to monitor recruitment trends within their businesses to ensure fair and equal access

Off-site registration processes ñ Providing equal and easy access to all job seekers regardless of disability

Access to local disability experts ñ Adecco staff will be fully trained in the issues facing disabled candidates, therefore providing a caring and effective service to all

Fully trained staff ñ Via Adeccoís ëUniversityí, and forming a key part of employee training programmes, all staff will be kept informed of any legislation developments, therefore ensuring up-to-date advice and information is always provided

Complete compliance ñ Adeccoís regional team of Business Process Managers (BPM) will ensure complete compliance across the five areas of legislation (The Race Relations Act, Disability Discrimination Act, Sexual Orientation and Religion & Belief legislation and Sexual Discrimination Act)

Richard MacMillan, continues îAdecco is an inclusive company and has always been committed to socially responsible recruitment that makes a contribution to the communities and local economies in which we operate.î MacMillan continued, ìOur key mission is to raise awareness among our existing and prospective clients of the barriers to recruitment and by developing a specialist programme in this area we have encouraged disenfranchised groups in the workplace to come to us for adviceî

Adding further weight to this initiative Adecco is working closely with the Third Age Employment Network (TAEN), an organisation that campaigns for better opportunities for mature people to continue to learn, work and earn. Adecco is also heavily involved with organisations that actively support this highly skilled and experienced demographic such as Business in the Community and Race for Opportunity enabling Adecco to be involved with varying projects specifically aimed at local and regional community networks.

Patrick Grattan, CEO from TAEN, comments, ìThe Third Age Employment Network (TAEN) warmly welcomes the launch of Adecco Plus. It needs positive action from such key labour market intermediaries as Adecco for the employment prospects and opportunities for people in mid, or later working lives to materially improve.î

Adecco are sponsoring TAENís Annual Conference ìValuing All The Workforceî held at The Law Society, Chancery Lane, WC2 on the 14th October 2004. This event includes presentations from Lord Peston, House of Lords Committee on Economic Affairs, David Willetts, MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and David Yeandle
Deputy Director Employment Policy, EEF-The Manufacturers Organisation.