Diversity in the workplace is good for business

Tuesday 09 June 2015

Employment law experts have welcomed the States of Jersey’s decision to approve new sex discrimination legislation.

Helen Ruelle, partner at Mourant Ozannes and Head of the firm’s Jersey Employment Law practice says employers have nothing to fear from the new laws, rather they should see diversity in the workplace as a positive factor for their business.

Mourant Ozannes recently organised a seminar on discrimination and diversity with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development Jersey Branch, where Advocate Ruelle was joined by leading UK barrister Tariq Sadiq. At the seminar both spoke of the need for employers to recognise the reputational damage that can be caused by a claim of sexual discrimination.

Advocate Ruelle said: "We all have a key role to play in transforming organisational culture so that it more closely resembles the values of a diverse workforce. This week’s decision by the States to implement sex discrimination legislation is a positive step for employees, employers and the Island as a whole. Increasingly it is the case that robust anti-discrimination legislation is seen as an essential ingredient of a jurisdiction's standing when it comes to doing business internationally, so for Jersey this is an important step."

Mr Sadiq who specialises in employment law and discrimination claims at St. Philips Chambers and their overlap with commercial, sport and professional discipline disputes told the audience that he was shocked at the continuing prevalence of sex discrimination in Britain’s corporate and industrial sectors. He said "It is incredible in the 21^st century that we are still hearing cases of quite appalling discrimination and treatment of employees, especially women. The law cannot change this culture but it can make employers more aware of their responsibilities and what is acceptable behaviour."

Mr Sadiq is also chair of the Football Association anti-discrimination panel and is well known for his involvement in high value and widely reported discrimination cases.