Diversity the key to unlocking 300m procurement bonanza

Companies looking to tender for contracts when the government's New Deal programme comes up for renewal in July will have to prove their commitment to workplace diversity.

The contracts, worth £300m, are to deliver training schemes and advice to the unemployed and the service is offered through Jobcentre Plus. Companies can offer training in language and basic skills as well as work placement schemes.

Employment minister, Margaret Hodge, warned all companies would have to prove that they take diversity practices seriously.

"Contracts will be awarded to those [companies] that monitor who they employ and offer appropriate opportunities to people from black and minority ethnic communities," she said.

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