Diversity given low priority despite legislation, survey shows

UK employers are failing to address workplace diversity, despite the country's long standing equality legislation.

A survey conducted by online recruitment firm Monster, questioning 660 employers, found that six in 10 respondents did not have a diverse workforce or were unaware whether they did.

Four in 10 said diversity is a "big priority", while 36% said it was not at all, with 15% unsure.

One employer in 10 said was starting to think about it, but was not yet a reality.

The Employment Equality Regulations are due to be updated later this year to ensure the Equal Treatment Directive is adequately implemented.

Rob Brouwer, chief executive of Monster UK and Ireland, said: "Employers 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 and enables you to select from a bigger pool of candidates."