Diversity, Inclusion and Workplace Behaviours

Employers in the United Kingdom have a legal obligation to ensure that they are providing an inclusive workplace for their employees but that can come with some challenges.

Conflict at work impacts productivity, increases sickness absence, leads to loss of talent and causes reputational damage.

Our employment lawyers are experts in navigating the complex array of HR and employment law issues surrounding diversity, inclusion and workplace culture.

Bullying and Sexual Harassment

We regularly advise businesses and individuals involved in such allegations. Effective and robust anti-harassment, equal opportunities and grievance policies are essential. However, the courts have made it clear that policies alone are not enough. It will be difficult to defend a claim reputationally and legally if more is not done so companies need to consider other methods from training and employee engagement through to board and management initiatives to help set the company agenda and bring about cultural change.

Investigations and audits

It is not unusual for complaints in this area to escalate and neutral third party involvement to become necessary. Our team understands the stress and discomfort for all under these circumstances and has significant experience conducting thorough workplace investigations into complaints of discrimination and harassment. We pride ourselves proceeding with due care and process but also in a timely manner so a conclusion can be reached without causing any further distress in delay. We are also experienced in auditing and advising on robust processes and procedures for dealing with these complaints in the first instance. We can also investigate issues related to equal pay, fertility and antenatal concerns and maternity, paternity, shared parental leave and other family-friendly rights.

Gender Pay Gap

All employers with over 250 employees in the UK must report their Gender Pay Gap statistics. A failure to do so can result in consequences ranging from a late badge through to an unlimited fine if the Equality and Human Rights Commission have to investigate. The arrival of the Employment Rights Bill in 2024 which mandated publication of an equality action plan to explain how you are trying to close the gap.

Our team can provide advice on pay reporting including gathering the information for your organisation. Please read more about our Gender Pay Gap services here.

Training and support

We believe in trying to avoid these issues arising in the first place by providing support and educational opportunities to our clients wherever possible. We are can advise on your equality and diversity policies and training, flagging any potential issues and can provide regular and meaningful training on policies and standards to upskill senior management and the general workforce. We can also share strategies to promote equality, diversity and inclusion during recruitment or through your inclusive affinity groups.

Our team can also advise on how to correctly deal with flexible working procedures or assess your disciplinary and grievance procedures. We will also be on hand to assist on the handling of difficult terminations. Where necessary we can also provide discrimination litigation advice.