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Legislation is the main driver for improving diversity levels in the workplace, research has revealed.

More than two-thirds of organisations rank legislation as one of the top five drivers for equality, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development's (CIPD) Diversity in Business report showed.

Recruiting and retaining the best talent (64%), corporate social responsibility (62%), and becoming an employer of choice (62%) were all also considered to be major drivers by the 285 CIPD members surveyed.

"Because it makes business sense" and "because it is morally right" were also significant incentives for 60% of organisations. Only one-third of respondents (32%) cited trade union activities as a main reason, while 30% said they were responding to the global market.

Dianah Worman, CIPD diversity adviser, said adhering to legislation should not be the main driver. "While it is important to comply with the law, legislation alone is not enough to remove unfairness," she said.