Workplace diversity not yet top of the agenda for UK companies

Despite the UKís long standing equality legislation many companies surprisingly still donít have a diverse workforce. According to Monsterís latest poll, 62% of employees responded that either their company does not have a diverse workforce or are unaware if they do.

The Monster Meter recently asked the British public the question, ìDoes your company employ a diverse workforce?î revealing:

38% Yes, this is a big priority
36% No, not at all
15% I donít know
11% They are starting to think about this but it is not yet a reality



According to a local government white paper*, minority groups and the disabled are still missing out on job opportunities. Less than half of the disabled population of working age are in employment and people from black Caribbean, Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities have significantly higher unemployment rates and lower average earnings than white people.

ìMaintaining a diverse workforce can be beneficial for companies of all sizes and in all sectors, said Rob Brouwer, CEO Monster UK and Ireland. ìEmployers may not be aware of the rewards a diverse workforce can reap for their business. People from different backgrounds provide the workforce with a broader skill set and cultural differences in practice. It also enables you to select from a bigger pool of candidates.î

The Employment Equality Regulations are due to be updated later this year to ensure the Equal Treatment Directive is adequately implemented. These updates to the legislation are a positive step but companies will also have to take steps to ensure they employ a diverse work force.

The results of the current Monster Meter are based on 660 votes cast by Monster users in the UK from 18 May ñ 1 June. Only one vote per user is counted toward the final tabulation. Anyone interested in voting in Monsterís online poll may do so by logging onto www.monster.co.uk.

* Local Government White Paper: October 2006