Firms feel benefit of equality and diversity

New research from the European Social Fund and the Welsh Assembly Government further endorses good diversity practices as contributing to company profitability. The study found that nearly seven out of 10 small to medium enterprises in Wales believe their business has improved since signing up to equality and diversity in the workplace.

They cite easier recruitment, a wider choice of skilled labour and compliance with contract requirements as among the benefits of implementing an effective policy on equality - which covers age, race, gender, religion and sexual orientation.

The research was carried out as part of the SME Equality Project. Since its establishment in 1998 the project has worked to raise awareness of equality and diversity issues in small companies in Wales.

The project is the only one of its kind in the UK, and its progress is being closely watched by a number of other European countries. As part of a drive to spur businesses in Wales to comply with legislation, adopt positive employment policies and promote equality and diversity issues amongst staff, it has carried out research into the business benefits experienced by more than 2,000 businesses that have participated.

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