Taking positive action against discrimination

What do you think when you hear the word ‘discrimination’?

It’s likely that images of someone being treated unfairly due to their race,

gender, or sexuality spring to mind.

‘positive action’ is action we can take to combat discrimination.

First of all, let’s not confuse ‘positive action’ with ‘positive

discrimination’.

Positive discrimination in the Oxford Dictionary is defined as ‘the practice

or policy of favouring individuals belonging to groups which suffer

discrimination’.

Positive discrimination is unlawful in the UK as it gives applicants from

disadvantaged and under-represented groups preferential treatment in the

recruitment process, regardless of their ability to do the job.

Positive action, on the other hand, is lawful and in my opinion, a great thing for business.

It gives all who qualify for a role or all who could be made to qualify an equitable

chance.

Employers can choose to hire candidates from under-represented groups provided that they

are as qualified for the role as other applicants.

Many people confuse this with ‘quotas’ - a business setting a target for the percentage of

a certain minority group they must employ

Why is positive action

so important?

Positive action allows businesses to actively reach out to minority groups

and develop relationships, encouraging those who may be

under-represented in the business world to develop their skills and

progress their careers.

For example, businesses may post vacancy flyers in disadvantaged and targeted areas as well as in specific

places online.

This also has an impact on the relationship between a business and the surrounding community.

It allows businesses to give something back to their community and help develop the local economy.

How else can my business

Implement positive action?

Many businesses avoid positive action, as they are frightened by the complexity of it.

They fear it could be mistaken for positive discrimination…

...But if you put small steps in place, positive action does not have to be a complicated matter:

• Advertise vacancies in disadvantaged areas. Use employment agencies and

careers offices in areas where under-represented groups are concentrated.

• Employees from under-represented groups may have experienced discrimination throughout their life which has knocked their confidence in their ability, so ensure you encourage them to apply for promotions and opportunities.

Examples of positive action

Many businesses have been successful in implementing positive action into their

recruitment and development processes.

The Metropolitan Police, for example, have often been criticised for their lack of diversity

so they’ve incorporated positive action into their recruitment.

The Met Diversity Internship selects 19 interns from two underrepresented groups in the Met – women, and people from BME

backgrounds – to offer them a greater chance of future employment with the Met.

The NHS also use positive action in order to widen their recruitment pool and make the organisation more representative of

the diverse UK community. 

Many employers use phrases such as

"We particularly welcome female applicants and those from an ethnic

minority, as they are under-represented within our organisation at these levels".

Wording such as this does not discriminate against anyone but reiterates

the need for diversity.

A reminder why diversity is key

A diverse workforce means a mix of skillsets, career and life experiences, and backgrounds.

The combination of these differences makes for an

innovative and collaborative business.

Whilst discrimination is unlawful, it certainly exists.

The proof is in the gender pay gap and the lack of men from BME backgrounds in top jobs, for example. We can help change this through

positive action in our business.

I believe I am taking positive action as the Founder of the Asian Apprenticeship Awards which is happening this November.

Most of you know the government is aiming for another three million apprenticeship starts by 2020, as

well as increasing the proportion of apprenticeships taken up by young people from BME backgrounds by

20% and increasing BME employment by 20%.

As an organisation we believe in diversity and equality.

The Asian Apprenticeship Awards aim is to showcase the range of talent and hard work within the

BME group, this will only be made possible with the contribution of employers and learning providers

who share these beliefs.

I encourage you to find out more and get involved!

asianapprenticeshipawards.co.uk/

I’d be keen to hear your thoughts on this interesting and complex

topic.

@SafarazAli

Safaraz Ali