Universal Fabrications (Coventry) Ltd joins Business in the Community’s Race at Work Charter
Universal Fabrications is proud to announce a significant step towards promoting workplace diversity and inclusion. We have recently become a signatory of the Race at Work Charter, an initiative by Business in the Community (BITC) that aims to improve equal opportunities for Black, Asian, Mixed Race, and ethnically diverse employees in the UK. This commitment aligns with our core values and reinforces our dedication to creating an inclusive work environment. Below is the full press release detailing this important development:
Press Release Issued by Business in the Community:
5th August 2024
Business in the Community (BITC) is pleased to announce that Universal Fabrications (Coventry) Ltd has joined over 1000 employers in signing up to the Race at Work Charter, an initiative designed for businesses to collectively commit to improving equal opportunities for Black, Asian, Mixed Race and ethnically diverse employees in the UK.
The Race at Work Charter builds on the findings from BITC’s 2021 Race at Work Survey, which found that while 76% of employers said that race recruitment and progression was a priority, only 46% had set targets to improve the racial diversity of their boards.
The survey also found that whilst 99 per cent of employers have a zero-tolerance policy on racial harassment and bullying, Black, Asian, Mixed Race and ethnically diverse employees are twice as likely than White employees to have experienced or witnessed racist harassment from managers, customers, clients, and colleagues.
The Race at Work Charter calls on businesses to:
- Appoint an Executive Sponsor for race
- Capture data and publicising progress
- Ensure zero tolerance of harassment and bullying
- Make equality in the workplace the responsibility of all leaders and managers
- Take action that supports ethnic minority career progression
- Support race inclusion allies in the workplace
- Include Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse-led enterprise owners in supply chains.
Launched in 2018, the Race at Work Charter builds on the work of the 2017 McGregor-Smith Review, which found that people from Black, Asian, Mixed Race and ethnically diverse backgrounds are still underemployed, underpromoted and under-represented at senior levels.
Sandra Kerr CBE, Race Director, Business in the Community, said: “We would like to thank Universal Fabrications (Coventry) Ltd for publicly committing to be an inclusive and responsible employer. By signing up to the charter, they are joining over 1000 businesses who are working together so that the UK can have one of the most inclusive workplaces in the world. By taking collective action, we can break down workplace barriers, raise the aspirations and achievements of talented individuals regardless of their ethnicity and deliver an enormous boost to the long-term economic position of the UK.”
Carl Smith, Managing Director commented “As a business and as a group of people Universal Fabrications is totally committed to promoting equal opportunities and inclusivity. Signing up for the Charter is a sign of that commitment as we continue to work progressively within our communities.”
As a leading sheet metal fabrication company, we are proud to take this step towards inclusivity. Click here to download the full press release.
