UK Businesses Ramp Up DEI Efforts Amid Global Backlash

A surge in interest in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) resources has been recorded in the UK, following former US President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw federal support for DEI initiatives. While many US corporations are scaling back diversity commitments, UK businesses remain legally bound to uphold workplace equality laws.

Skillcast, a compliance and diversity training provider, has reported a 92% increase in engagement with its Protected Characteristics at Work guide, which outlines legal DEI standards under the UK Equality Act 2010. The guide, covering key areas such as discrimination laws, race, gender, and disability protections, has seen a sharp rise in page views and an increase in average time spent per user, now at five minutes.

Legal Protections Keep UK DEI Standards Intact

Unlike in the US, where companies are reassessing their DEI commitments, UK businesses must comply with legal frameworks that protect diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The Worker Protection Act, introduced last year, has further strengthened workplace protections by requiring employers to take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment.

The growing focus on DEI coincides with Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week, serving as a timely reminder of the role of strong workplace policies in safeguarding employees.

However, despite legal safeguards, gaps in workplace DEI practices remain:

• Only 48% of women believe their employer has a clear policy against sexual harassment.
• One in 10 women have left their jobs due to insufficient menopause support, despite menopause-related discrimination being covered under gender, age, and disability protections.

Industry Concerns Over US Policy Shift

Vivek Dodd, CEO of Skillcast, warned that the US shift away from DEI could have far-reaching consequences, potentially influencing businesses worldwide:

“By setting a precedent for companies to deprioritise DEI, this shift risks stalling and reversing decades of progress in fostering inclusive workplaces. It could lead to declines in employee morale, productivity, and retention—especially among underrepresented groups.”

Dodd emphasised that while US companies may be stepping back, UK businesses must remain compliant with legal and ethical obligations:

“While some U.S. businesses are moving away from DEI, UK companies remain legally required to uphold and safeguard diversity and inclusion standards under the Equality Act 2010—emphasising the importance of ethical and legal compliance, regardless of the current political landscape.”

UK Businesses Double Down on DEI

Beyond compliance, experts argue that strong DEI policies contribute to better employee engagement, retention, and employer branding. With UK businesses witnessing heightened demand for DEI resources, the debate over workplace diversity is set to continue.

However, with legal obligations firmly in place, UK employers are expected to reinforce and strengthen DEI initiatives, ensuring workplaces remain inclusive, supportive, and legally compliant.