The coalition government’s Equality Strategy set to come into force next year could bring “big benefits” for British business, according to Dawn Nicholson, HR services partner at PwC.

The strategy, announced by equalities minister Lynne Featherstone last week, enables companies to select a new recruit from a “disproportionately under represented” group ahead of an equally qualified alternative.  

Nicholson says: “In principle anything that can be done to help employers ensure different groups of people are fairly represented in the workplace is a welcome step. Not only is this fair to disadvantaged or under represented groups, but there is clear evidence to suggest diversity helps increase creativity in the workplace, which in turn could bring big benefits to British business.

“Whether the provision will help improve female board level representation is another matter. Much of the challenge for businesses is ensuring that the workplace suits women’s particular needs and wants as they move up the career ladder.”