Opinion: Black Lives Matter movement signals time for retailers to act on diversity

Suki Sandhu

Well-known retailers have shown their solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and it is time for UK businesses to take long-term action. 

We coordinated an open letter, which was a mandate for change signed by 29 UK business leaders including those from Sainsbury’s, Tesco, John Lewis and Marks & Spencer. 

All pledged publicly to put an end to the repeating cycle of inaction and address the racial inequality that exists for hundreds of thousands within the UK workforce and will report publicly on their progress.

It’s pleasing to see retailers making a stand. As the biggest private sector employer, such commitments to action can make a big impact on the longer-term progression of ethnic minority talent, from being stuck within the lower levels of the organisation to advancing all the way through to leadership and the boardroom.

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