Rolls-Royce criticised over diversity rethink

A disability campaigner, an LGBT group and a union have all expressed fears about Rolls-Royce's plans to scrap its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programme.

The multinational company, which employees about 16,000 people in Derby, has said it will replace the programme with a support service for all employees rather than those from diverse backgrounds.

But Unite's regional secretary Paresh Patel said he was "frustrated" by the move and said there had not been any discussion or negotiations about it.

He said: "A company like Rolls-Royce is a company that you would expect to set the bar in this area but it seems to be regressing and this is significantly disappointing."

In January, Donald Trump ordered all US government DEI staff to be put on administration leave as he described the programme they were on as "dangerous, demeaning and immoral".

Mr Patel accused Rolls-Royce of "playing" to the US president and the narrative coming from across the Atlantic.

Amo Raju, who was chief executive of the Derby-based charity Disability Direct for 30 years, said: "It is quite shocking that a well respected multinational company - that has in many ways led the way when it has come to diversity, equity and inclusion issues - has taken such a backward step."

He added it would mean that over time fewer people from diverse backgrounds would work for Rolls-Royce.

Sarah Barley McMullen and her wife Helen became the first single sex couple to get married in a place of worship in Derbyshire in 2016.

Ms McMullen, who is also chairman of the Pride in Belper Festival, said: "I think it is really short-sighted.

"Listening specifically to people from under-represented groups such as people with disabilities, people of different ethnicity or LGBT people is really important because it can challenge some of the inequalities within an organisation.

"They can help enable change to happen. It enables everyone to come to work as their whole self - they don't have to hid part of who they are."

The Derby South MP, Labour's Baggy Shanker, whose constituency includes the company's Sinfin plant, told BBC Radio Derby everyone had to be "respected and comfortable" at work.

He added: "This government has introduced the biggest strengthening of working people's rights in a generation because everybody at work deserves fair pay, fair conditions, no matter what your job is, no matter who your employer is and no matter what your background is."

Rolls-Royce says it is replacing its DEI programme with an Employee Voice Network because it wants to support all its staff rather than just those from minority backgrounds.

A spokesperson added: "We support all our colleagues to be at their best, ensuring we live by our behaviours and drive a culture of high performance and engagement.

"We regularly review our policies and approach to make sure we achieve this outcome, while complying with all legal requirements in the jurisdictions in which we operate. We have always hired based on merit and continue to do so."

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