Business Minister, Margot James has called upon FTSE 350 companies to improve diversity and inclusion.
James has written a letter to the chief executives of the UK’s largest companies to take up the recommendations in the McGregor-Smith Review. The review aims to improve black and ethnic minority progression in the workplace.
The review recommends that companies publish a breakdown of their workforce by race and pay; set aspirational targets; and nominate a board member to deliver on those targets.
In the coming months, James will also chair the first meeting of the Business Diversity and Inclusion Group set up following the publication of the McGregor-Smith Review.
The group will bring together business leaders and organisations to coordinate action to remove barriers in the workplace.
Business Minister Margot James said, “It simply makes no business sense for people to be left behind because of their ethnic background and I am asking FTSE 350 companies to play their part in driving the agenda for greater diversity in the workplace.”
“Genuine and lasting change must come from within the business community and I encourage companies to take forward Baroness McGregor-Smith’s recommendations.”
Baroness McGregor Smith said, “I’m delighted to see the government playing its part in calling on the UK’s largest businesses to improve diversity and inclusion in the workplace.”
“FTSE 35O companies must help to bring about change by committing to greater transparency and accountability on this vitally important issue as set out in the recommendations in my review.”
