BITC highlights need for ‘and race’ to be added to governance code

New research shows that no progress is being made on tackling race inequality in management. The organisation behind the report, Business in the Community’s race equality campaign Race for Opportunity, is calling for a government review to racial barriers in the workplace and for ‘and race’ to be added to the UK Corporate Governance Code to ensure ethnic minorities progress into management positions at the same pace as the general working population.

‘Race at the Top’ finds that only one in 16 top management positions and one in 13 management positions are held by BAME (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic) people, despite the fact that one in 10 people in employment are BAME.

Sandra Kerr OBE, Race for Opportunity Director, Business in the Community, commented: “By 2051, one in five people in the UK will be from an ethnic minority background, representing a scale of consumer spending and political voting power that business and government alike cannot afford to ignore. The gap must not be allowed to widen further, but without action, little will change.”

“I am calling on government for a ‘Lord Davies’ review to amplify understanding around the barriers BAME employees face in reaching management positions, and for two simple words – “and race” – to be added to the UK Corporate Governance Code. We urgently need these to happen if we are to ensure that we don’t pass the point of no return.”

Nearly three-quarters (74%) of management positions held by BAME people are clustered in just three sectors: banking & finance; distribution, hotels & restaurants; and public administration, education & health.  The majority of management positions within the energy & water, construction, legal, media and political sectors continue to be held by white people – mirroring the state of play in 2007.  

 For the full story see the July issue of Ethical Performance

Picture credit: © Goldenkb | Dreamstime.com