UK Lawmakers Urged To Investigate US Tech Giants’ DEI Cutbacks
Tech workers union Prospect is asking UK lawmakers to examine the diversity efforts of US multinational companies operating in the UK to ensure they comply with UK regulations and values. It has written to Parliament’s Women and Equalities, asking them to review American businesses rolling back DEI efforts.
“Prospect represents thousands of UK tech workers, including in companies like Meta, and we have been alarmed to see how these companies have acted since Donald Trump’s inauguration as President,” the letter stated.
It added “Not only have the CEOs of many tech companies publicly endorsed some of the President’s rhetoric on rolling back on equalities practices, many have now begun to put this new policy into effect in their own workforces.”
What is the letter calling for?
Prospect urges the committee to analyze and question tech executives on recent changes and how they intend to comply with UK employment law. “We are asking the Women and Equalities Committee to look into these issues and to question tech company executives to ensure their practices in the UK align with our values and regulations,” Rachel Curley, Deputy General Secretary of Prospect, said.
Will UK companies roll back on DEI efforts?
As companies continue to roll back DEI efforts in the US, European firms also see fewer references to DEI. According to Bloomberg, an analysis of the income calls of Stoxx Europe 600 companies highlights that mentions of DEI reached their lowest point since 2020.
Will European firms follow the US and sunset their DEI initiatives? Dimitar Markov, director of the law program at the Center for the Study of Democracy, told Euronews that DEI programs are not compulsory in Europe. Still, the European Commission often encourages companies to participate in DEI initiatives.
He adds that the Commission has also adopted numerous policies on gender equality, anti-racism, LGBTIQ+, and the rights of persons with disabilities that coincide with DEI principles. Companies with over 500 employees usually embrace DEI.
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