According to a recent warning from the Employment Lawyers Association (ELA) , more and more British businesses, influenced by the US political agenda and the rhetoric against DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) policies, are considering reducing or even completely eliminating diversity and inclusion programs in their organizations.
“Abandoning DEI policies could be costly”
Legal experts warn that such moves could have serious legal consequences , as they set the stage for increased discrimination, harassment and unequal treatment in the workplace. The ELA points out that UK law remains clear: employers have a duty to protect individuals from discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, sexual orientation, disability, age, gender identity and religion.
For example, in a recent case, a company that had withdrawn training programs to prevent homophobic harassment was ordered to pay compensation to a former employee.
Resistance to the internationalized reaction
The mood in the UK reflects a wider international shift — particularly in the US — where pressure groups and politicians are attacking DEI policies, accusing them of being “privileged” or “segregative” and calling for their abolition. However, employment law experts warn that such developments cannot be “imported” cost-free into a European context, where equal rights are a fundamental principle.
Ethical responsibility and corporate strategy
Beyond the legal dimension, there is also the ethical and social responsibility of employers. Diversity policies are not just “good practices”, but tools for protecting and cultivating safe, productive and fair workplaces.
At the same time, numerous studies prove that organizations that invest in inclusive cultures enjoy greater innovation, greater efficiency, and increased talent attraction .
And now what?
British society, with its long multicultural history and diverse workforce, is at a crossroads. The question is not whether there should be diversity policies — but how they can be strengthened, protected and made more effective in the face of global decline.
In this context, the voice of lawyers, workers, trade unionists and progressive employers is more critical than ever.
