Firms should be doing more to attract women, disabled, ethnic and older workers to make workplaces more diverse, according to a report out today.
A curvey of 2,000 adults showed that one in two customers would be more likely to use a business if they knew it had a diverse workplace.
The study by Jobcentre Plus, revealed that three out of five employers had taken on people who found it harder to get jobs, such as lone parents of long-term unemployed.
Lesley Strathie, Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus said, "Creating diverse workforces is about more than just legislative compliance and corporate responsibility - it's about better business.
This research proves to employers that being committed to diversity is not a business choice, but a business imperative.
"Customers and employers want to shop and work in environments which reflect their local communities. by broadening the scope of their recruitment base, employers can plug skills gaps, improve retention and increase productivity".
Source: "Job survey trumpets diversity", Western Mail, Wednesday 3rd January 2007
Last Updated: 05/01/2007 15:00:48 By Sian Baird Murray
