Minority groups remain underrepresented in the UK workforce, according to research conducted by jobs site Monster.
A survey of 660 people found that 62% believed they weren’t part of a diverse working environment or that their employers sought to create one.
The findings support a local government white paper in October 2006 that found those from black Caribbean, Pakistani and Bangladeshi origins were more likely to be unemployed or earn less than white people.
The report also showed that despite of flood of equality legislation over the past two years, less than half of disabled people of working age are in employment.
Rob Brouwer, CEO of Monster UK and Ireland, urged more companies to pro-actively seek employees of differing cultures and backgrounds – and not merely to stay in line with the law.
“Maintaining a diverse workforce can be beneficial for all companies of all sizes and in all sectors,” he said. “People from different backgrounds provide the workforce with a broader skill set and cultural differences in practice.”
The Employment Equality Regulations are due to be reviewed and updated later on this year.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007
