Chamber Equity Commission urges action on workplace barriers
Date published:
The British Chambers of Commerce’s Workplace Equity Commission has released a new report aimed at improving employment opportunities and breaking down barriers for people in the workplace.
The Boosting Opportunity and Realising Potential report outlines more than 40 recommendations for government and businesses to create fairer, more inclusive and diverse workplaces.
The Commission, which has been co-chaired by North East businesswoman Gill Hunter, has focused on supporting the 5.5 million SMEs across the UK, which need support to shift the dial on workplace equity.
The report comes as Office for National Statistics (ONS) employment figures released today (10 September) show economic inactivity remains a key issue for the North East, often as a result of ill health or caring responsibilities.
Gill Hunter, managing partner of Square One Law, said: “Many SMEs are already implementing effective, low-cost initiatives that are shifting the dial on workplace equity.
“Our report looks at how we accelerate crucial change across many more businesses.
“Government needs to create a supportive environment with clear legislation and guidance. Employers need more support and confidence to introduce impactful practices that help people achieve their full potential in work.
“With business and policymakers working together, we can make real progress along the path to a truly equitable and inclusive UK economy.”
Recommendations include removing barriers to work and career progression for people of all ages; flexible and supportive workplaces to help people stay and thrive in work; more training and support for employers, and sharing of best practice, to boost confidence and drive cultural change, as well as legislative framework that sets out clear expectations.
Sarah Howard MBE, co-chair of the Equity Commission and chair of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Workplace equity makes good business sense. To unlock talent, we need to help firms create a level playing field for all individuals.
“We’re proud to have convened such an important group of businesses leaders and experts to examine these issues.
“This report is just the start of a conversation. Over the coming months we’ll be taking the recommendations to our Chamber colleagues and to the heart of government.”
Research carried out for the Commission revealed a quarter of surveyed employees (25%) believed that not everyone in their workplace has the same access to opportunities. Over a quarter (28%) of respondents also said they believed they’d unfairly missed out on a workplace opportunity in the past two years.
The Commission calls for better management training so that workplace leaders can create truly diverse workforces. It also recommends SMEs modernise recruitment processes so that talented individuals are not deterred or disadvantaged when applying for roles.
North East Chamber chief executive John McCabe said: “The BCC’s Workplace Equity Commission brought together trusted experts and business leaders from across nations, regions and sectors to ensure we are doing all we can as a Chamber network to embed equity in the UK’s businesses.
“It’s vital we turn the report’s recommendations into action to create the optimum workplace environment, and support and harness the skills and potential of our talented workforce.
“This was a national piece of work but I’m really pleased Gill, who is a very recognisable and respected member of our North East business community, was able to play such a significant leadership role in it.”
The report is the culmination of a year-long nationwide call for evidence and a series of roundtable events with businesses across the UK. It concludes by saying that government has a ‘key role to play in creating a positive environment, articulating the ambition and setting out a legislative framework to drive change at pace.’
The Equity Commission was established for the BCC in September 2023. It brought together businesses, UK and international Chamber representatives, and key stakeholders from across civil society.
The final report, published in partnership with Youth Futures Foundation, makes recommendations for government and businesses, which will also now be considered across the 52 accredited Chambers in the UK.
The recommendations echo calls in the North East Chamber’s latest report which promotes anti-racism and inclusion across the region’s business community.
The Building Inclusive Places: Anti-racism in North East Businesses report urges a zero tolerance approach to racism in the workplace, and builds on the Chamber’s work to create an inclusive economy as part of its stronger, fairer North East strategy.
Click here to view the Workplace Equity Commission’s report.