Independent review recommends employers publish workforce data
The independent Baroness McGregor-Smith review, commissioned by the government, has now published its report on race in the workplace, considering the issues affecting black and minority ethnic (BME) groups at work. The report makes a number of recommendations on how employers in the public and private sectors can improve BME diversity and inclusion within their organisations. Its key recommendations are that businesses with more than 50 employees should:
- be required by law to publish a breakdown of their workforce by race and pay band, on their website and in the annual report
- publish five-year "aspirational targets" to increase diversity, and measure progress annually
- nominate a board member to deliver on these targets.
The government’s response to the review has also been published and this rejects the possibility of bringing forward new legislation. The government has, however, agreed to set up a new Business Diversity and Inclusion Group to coordinate action to remove barriers in the workplace and monitor employers’ progress. It will also develop a guide on discussing race in the workplace and set up a single online portal for employers where useful case studies and unconscious bias training packages can be sourced. Progress will be monitored over the next 12 months.