On 7 April 2025, the UK Government launched a new national call for evidence as part of its efforts to dismantle workplace barriers affecting people from ethnic minorities, disabled communities, and those from less advantaged backgrounds. This initiative is a cornerstone of the broader Plan for Change, a strategic drive to tackle inequality and foster an inclusive labour market.
The government’s invitation for public input will remain open until 30 June 2025. It is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the forthcoming Equality (Race and Disability) Bill, with the consultation focusing on how to improve equal pay, working conditions, and protection against intersectional discrimination. Stakeholders including businesses, trade unions, civil society groups, and members of the public are encouraged to contribute their insights to help create practical and effective legislation.
Minister for Equalities Seema Malhotra MP underscored the significance of this move in building a more equitable society. “Our goal is to understand how we can better remove barriers to opportunity and boost household incomes across the country so people can achieve according to their talents, irrespective of their backgrounds,” she said. Malhotra confirmed that the input gathered will guide the development of policies aimed at enhancing equal pay protections for women, ethnic minorities, and disabled individuals.
The consultation focuses on several key areas, including the need to eliminate pay discrimination rooted in race or disability, reinforce the enforcement of equal pay legislation, and enhance protection from compound forms of discrimination. Additional emphasis is placed on promoting inclusivity in workplace environments and advancing pay transparency.
One of the principal goals is to bolster the right to equal pay, particularly for workers from ethnic minority and disabled groups. Proposals being considered include the creation of a dedicated Equal Pay Regulatory and Enforcement Unit, greater transparency in remuneration practices, and stronger oversight of outsourcing arrangements that may contribute to disparities in wages.
Improving workplace conditions also features prominently in the government’s agenda. The call for evidence seeks suggestions on how to address workplace sexual harassment and ensure all employees have fair access to opportunities for professional growth and advancement, regardless of their social or economic background. This aligns with the government’s effort to activate the socio-economic duty, a legal obligation designed to prevent public policies from disproportionately disadvantaging underprivileged individuals.
The initiative has garnered broad support from the business sector and advocacy groups. Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain, welcomed the consultation, describing it as a meaningful step forward. “Choice and opportunity should be accessible to all, and we look forward to collaborating closely on opening up pathways into work,” she said.
Claire Costello, Chief People and Inclusion Officer at the Co-op, echoed this sentiment, affirming that inclusivity is integral to their corporate ethos. “We believe it’s the right thing to do and a way to promote economic growth,” Costello noted, while underlining the influence of socio-economic background on life chances.
The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) also voiced support, with CEO Ann Francke OBE emphasising the need for leadership that cultivates fairness and inclusion. “The key will be ensuring that leaders and managers have the skills they need to deliver inclusive workplaces that treat individuals fairly and deliver better outcomes,” she said.
There have also been calls for more robust protections and practical guidance, especially concerning workplace harassment. Priya Narain, Head of Purpose at KERB Food, highlighted the specific vulnerabilities faced by workers in sectors such as hospitality. “We fully support this call for evidence as a necessary step in shaping policy that is both effective and workable for businesses and employees alike,” she said.
Sandra Kerr CBE, Race Equality Director at Business in the Community, welcomed the push towards mandatory reporting of ethnicity and disability pay gaps. “It is critical that government and business work together to make sure these laws work for everyone, so that we can break down these barriers to opportunity once and for all,” Kerr stated.
With the consultation now open, the government is positioning itself to take meaningful action in addressing persistent workplace inequalities. The feedback received will inform a legislative approach designed to secure equal opportunities for all, regardless of race, disability, or background.