ACAS, together with Yorkshire Forward, have set up a team dedicated to working with small and medium sized enterprises in the Yorkshire and Humber region, helping them to realise the business advantages of diversity.

Diversity refers to the differences between individuals, including age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, education and social background. Such differences can affect how people perform and interact with each other in the workplace, and can get in the way of business efficiency unless they are acknowledged and properly managed.

This is of increasing importance. Changes in the nature of the labour market mean that there will be fewer men available for employment, but more women and a greater number of people from ethnic minorities seeking work, as well as an overall aging of the population.

Complaints of discrimination are expected to rise as new laws covering age, religion and sexual orientation mean that employers will have to keep pace and look at the issues of diversity in the workplace. On a more positive note, there is compelling evidence that a diverse workforce will perform better and a successfully implemented diversity programme will lead to improved recruitment and retention of staff, a better understanding of markets and an enhanced reputation.

The ACAS Equality Services (AES) team offers a free service to businesses employing between 50 and 250 employees and effort is concentrated in deprived parts of the region.

Contact Dave Manning
ACAS Equality Services
Commerce House
Wade Lane
Leeds
LS2 8HH

T: 0113 205 3854
F: 0113 205 3826
E: dmanning@acas.org.uk
W: www.acas.org.uk