Date: 09/08/2007

Source: People Management

UK businesses are being called upon to have formal diversity policies in place, after figures showed an increase in discrimination-related employment tribunals.

According to the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), figures show that claims of sexual discrimination rose by 2,524 to 14,250 last year, and racial discrimination cases increased by 786 to 4,103 over the same period.

What’s more, the figures showed that just 86,083 of the 115,039 claims made were disposed of, leaving 28,956 claims unresolved.

In response to this increase in disputes, the CMI has released guidelines to help employers manage a diverse workforce.

The guidelines, called ‘Embracing Diversity’, call on all UK businesses to have formal diversity policies in place.

However, they also highlight the positive effect a diverse workfoce can have on performance and productivity, by giving companies access to a wider talent pool and a more varied skills base.

“Clearly, discrimination on the basis of difference is unacceptable at any level,” said Jo Causon, director of marketing and corporate affairs, Chartered Management Institute.

“But in many cases, resistance to change is due to a lack of understanding of the benefits it can bring.

“Organisations should ensure that diversity policies are clear and well communicated to their staff, or risk losing out on the performance gains it can generate.”

The CMI recommends ensuring top level support within the organisation, idenitifying areas where change and support is needed and compiling a diversity action plan which is monitored and reviewed regularly.

The guidelines also recognise the potential barriers to diversity in the workplace and offers ways of tackling internal resistance, such as integrating diversity into training and development programmes and creating forums where issues can be discussed by employees.