Bupa, B&Q and the Army are among organisations still investing in diversity despite the economic downturn, new research published today revealed.
An analysis of 77 large organisations found that 86% were still putting the financial resources in place to help create more diverse workplaces.
Sarah Williams-Gardener, director of Opportunity Now, believes the business case for creating inclusive and diverse workforces has never been more important.
She said: “In times of hardship, engaging and motivating your employees is key if you want to drive business and ultimately succeed. Our research proves there is still a very clear business imperative for equality and diversity and that employers are continuing to show commitment and dedication to creating workplaces where everyone can succeed.”
The research, published by not-for-profit organisation Opportunity Now, also showed that equal pay had received more attention since the announcement of the Equality Bill. A key clause in the Bill states that employers will be forced to publish their gender pay gap in 2013 if they do not do so voluntarily.
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The survey found equal pay audits were carried out by 69% of organisations, and 44% provided training on equal pay issues to managers who were involved in pay decisions. Some 22% of employers were already publishing their pay gap data in the public domain, the report showed.
The findings come just weeks after a report by law firm DLA Piper was less optimistic about pay audits, stating just 29% of 147 HR professionals surveyed carried out gender pay reports.
