Workforce diversity makes good business sense

Building diversity among the workforce should be seen as good business sense rather than political correctness, according to recruitment experts.

Anti-discrimination law is soon set to be tightened up. The Department of Trade and Industry is bringing in legislation by 2006 prohibiting age discrimination in training, recruitment, promotion, unfair dismissal and redundancy.

And from 1 October the Disability Discrimination Act extended to cover small employers with fewer than 15 staff, prohibiting discrimination against disabled employees or job applicants and requiring reasonable adaptations to the workplace.

Recruitment consultant Chloe Pyatt saw the changes as business opportunities rather than problems of compliance.

She believed workforce diversity could go beyond statutory equal opportunities, and companies which establish a business culture will reap the benefits of reflecting the community in their workplace.

ëA company embracing diversity takes a broader approach than just equal opportunities policy, a longer view incorporating business strategy, values and practice. All businesses now operate across an increasingly diverse community and customer base. It therefore makes good business sense to capitalise on the potential of those from all community groups.í

The benefits of diversity include access to a wider range of candidates, greater corporate social responsibility and better communications with potential customers, candidates and employees.

Chloe Pyatt set up her own consultancy Flexijobs, at www.flexijobs.co.uk, a year ago to introduce employees who want flexible working and businesses that need their skills.

Employers and employees wanting more information about how diversity can help them can contact Flexijobs on (01730) 234530.