Managers of small and medium enterprises have only a vague awareness of their obligations under equality legislation, new research has found.
Fear of what might be provoked if staff were made aware of equality issues was one of the reasons cited by employers for their failure to put formal procedures in place. Some also said they could not see how having an equality strategy could be relevant to their business.
The research was commissioned by a social partnership group, including employers, unions and State agencies, convened by the Equality Authority. It was published yesterday in one of two reports on workplace equality launched by the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell.
A previous study conducted by the authority found that small enterprises in the private sector had the poorest record in establishing policies to promote equality.
The new research, based on interviews with managers of 14 small and medium enterprises, sought to establish the reasons for this. Among the key factors cited were a lack of detailed knowledge by employers about equality legislation.
Some also expressed "fear and uncertainty" about how to comply with the legislation and what it involves.
There was also a fear that formalising equality plans could lead to tension, disruption or discontent in the workplace, researchers found. Concerns about the cost of equality and diversity training and doubts about the return on this kind of investment were also raised.
The report published yesterday recommends a number of joint initiatives between the Equality Authority and employer and union representatives to address the issue.
Mr Niall Crowley, chief executive of the Equality Authority, said it was hoped the new research would stimulate a change in approach towards equality issues among small enterprises in the private sector. Most of the enterprises surveyed for the report are members of the Small Firms Association.
