The Workplace Equity Commission, convened by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), has outlined more than 40 recommendations to improve employment opportunities and breakdown barriers for people in the workplace.
The Equity Commission was established by the BCC in September 2023, and brought together businesses, UK and international Chamber representatives, and key stakeholders from across civil society. The final report, published in partnership with Youth Futures, makes recommendations for government and businesses.
Research carried out for the Commission by the polling agency Find Out Now in March 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.
Today’s report is the culmination of a year-long nationwide call for evidence and a series of roundtable events with businesses across the UK.
To help create a level playing field for all individuals in the workplace, the Commission recommends legislative changes, government support for SMEs and proactive measures from employers.
Among the recommendations:
- 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
- A legislative framework that sets out clear expectations
Sarah Howard MBE, Co-chair of the Equity Commission and Chair of the British Chambers of Commerce, 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.”
Barry Fletcher, CEO of Youth Futures Foundation, said:
“With the latest data showing that 872,000 young people are not earning or learning, we are not only letting down a generation, but also missing out on a huge talent pool. If they are given a chance, they could power up the UK’s prosperity and add £69bn to the economy if we matched the lowest NEET rate in the OECD.
“To address this challenge, we need a gear change from employers and government, with new ways of thinking about recruitment and retention to reach more diverse candidates, and a policy environment that supports and enables business.
“Every young person deserves the opportunity to realise their full potential in the workforce – we have to match their ambition and do things differently.”
Read the report, here.
