Betfred pledges commitment to improve equality and diversity

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has entered into a formal agreement with Betfred, which aims to improve diversity and equality awareness among the high street bookmakers 5,000 employees.

The bookmaker has more than 1,350 betting shops in the UK and was contacted by the EHRC after an Employment Tribunal ruled against it in 2011 for failing to prevent the sexual harassment and subsequent victimisation of an employee.

Betfred has committed to a full review of its management practice in handling grievances and disciplinary proceedings; the rolling out of specific diversity training throughout its organisation, and a programme of activities designed to promote acceptance of a diverse workforce.

As part of the agreement the company will report to the EHRC in July on its progress to date in implementing these measures, the number of managers that have received diversity training, and its progress in revising the staff handbook.

It will provide a final report to the Commission in December 2014 updating that information and providing details of any discrimination cases in the previous months. It will also inform staff of the agreement through its intranet and newsletter.

Commission Chief Legal Officer, Rebecca Hilsenrath said: “Betfred will be working with us to make sure they are taking effective steps to improve the awareness among their workforce of how they need to treat customers and each other."