In January 2009 the Commission conducted an inquiry to examine the nature and causes of ethnic minority underrepresentation within the construction industry. Using a combination of evidence-gathering questionnaires, interviews and research, we completed an Inquiry Report in July 2009 that revealed a negative image of the industry and poor recruitment practices contributed to low numbers of ethnic minorities entering the sector.
The Inquiry Report made 31 broad-based recommendations for key issues to be addressed to improve representation of ethnic minorities in the Industry. These range from training and education, recruitment and contracting, retention, unlawful discrimination, monitoring and influencing change.
Action Plan
Following the publication of the Inquiry report, we embarked on a series of discussions with Industry stakeholders to produce an action plan that will help both large companies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) increase the number of employment opportunities for under-represented groups and diversify the supply chain in procurement.
Separately to the Inquiry, the Commission has published a report that investigates the employment experience, skills and aspirations of ethnic minorities in the five host boroughs in relation to the 2012 Olympic Games, with a special focus on the Asian community. The report suggests that people from an Asian background appear to be disproportionately disadvantaged in relation to gaining Olympics employment, and that there are a number of factors contributing to this poor performance.
Download a copy of the report - The 2012 Olympics: access to training and employment opportunities Word version | PDF version
In March 2010 th Commission launched good practice guidelines to increase employment and local business opportunities created by London 2012. Based on our research findings, these guidelines represent what we consider to be the key drivers to promote good equality and diversity practice. Download the guide - London 2012: Good practice guidelines Procurement and employment PDF version | Word version
In November 2008 we published our research to inform the development of a Charter to advise buyers on good equality and diversity practice in procurement.
Next steps
The next steps will be to launch the Construction Diversity Leadership Forum with senior level representation drawn from across the Industry. The first meeting is being planned for June 2010 and members will be presented with policy options to take forward the delivery of the Action Plan.