31 Jan 2025
Diversity Lens - Issue 246

As January comes to a close, 2025 has already delivered a whirlwind of events - devastating wildfires in LA, a ceasefire in Gaza, and Donald Trump’s return to office with sweeping attacks on DEI initiatives. Among his first moves were removing protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals in the workplace, scrapping diversity requirements in federal hiring, and cutting funding for gender equity programmes. He's also announced aggressive immigration policies, including mass deportations and the revival of family separations, alongside plans to expand the use of Guantanamo Bay for detained migrants. These changes send a chilling signal about the future of inclusion in the US.
Also concerning is Mark Zuckerberg’s decision to roll back DEI commitments at Meta. By loosening moderation policies and phasing out its fact-checking system, the platform is opening the door to increased discrimination and harmful content spreading unchecked.
On the other hand, I’m encouraged by signs that the UK might keep pressing forward with fairness and equity. The government’s proposed “Fair Work” agenda suggests we might continue moving forward on DEI, rather than following every lead from across the pond. I hope we can stay focused on building fair, inclusive workplaces and push for real, lasting change, even when the global picture looks uncertain.
Oliver, Director of Marketing
QUICK FIRE NEWS 🧨
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LET'S GET INTO IT 👇
Why is it harder for women to own a home?
Economic inequalities and traditional roles are making homeownership a steeper climb for women, but change is on the horizon.
The housing gap, explained
Women face unique challenges when it comes to owning a home. The Women’s Budget Group recently revealed that no part of England is considered affordable for a single woman to rent or buy. It also takes women over five years longer than men, on average, to get onto the property ladder.
Why the gap exists
The gender pay gap is a major contributor, with women in the UK earning 11.3% less than men. This leaves women with less savings and lower borrowing power. Many women also take career breaks or work fewer hours to handle caregiving responsibilities, further limiting their financial resources.
Can anything be done?
Closing the gender pay gap would have the biggest impact, but that could take decades. In the meantime, tools like Meet Margo are stepping in to provide tailored, accessible mortgage advice, helping women feel more confident and empowered in their home-buying journey.
£15 million fund to help reduce food waste and support vulnerable communities
A new government initiative is tackling food waste on farms while helping charities deliver fresh produce to people facing food insecurity - many from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Why is so much food being wasted?
Every year, an estimated 330,000 tonnes of perfectly good food - think potatoes, sprouts, and other essentials - go to waste on farms. Farmers would rather see their produce on plates than in bins or used as animal feed, but for many, the costs and logistics of redistributing surplus food make it impossible. Meanwhile, charities often lack the tools and resources to collect and deliver this food to people in need.
How will the new fund help?
This £15 million fund is designed to bridge the gap. With grants starting from £20,000,charities will be able to buy essential equipment, train staff, and invest in technology to work more effectively with farmers. The result?
🚜 Collect and distribute farm surplus more efficiently, reaching communities hit hardest by rising costs and inequality.
🥦 Provide fresh, nutritious food to those who need it most, including families and individuals at risk of food poverty.
♻️Work more closely with farmers to reduce waste and support sustainable solutions that benefit everyone.
With food banks, homeless shelters, and community organisations stretched to their limits, this initiative offers much-needed relief to those disproportionately affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
Is working from home really destroying Britain?
Lord Stuart Rose, the former boss of Asda, has claimed that flexible working is holding the country back by 20 years, sparking a fresh debate about whether working from home is harming productivity and development.
Why are some people against flexible work?
Lord Rose, alongside companies like Amazon and JP Morgan, argues that working from home reduces productivity, harms mental health, and limits personal development. In a recent interview, he said young people in particular are suffering from working away from the office. This argument echoes broader concerns from some politicians and the media, who have criticised flexible work for making Britain less competitive.
What does the evidence really say?
The data tells a different story. Studies show hybrid working improves productivity, motivation, and job satisfaction. It also makes workplaces more inclusive by opening doors for disabled workers, carers, and women who might otherwise be excluded. Flexible work helps parents balance childcare and reduces the gender pay gap, while workers with mobility or health issues say it improves their well-being.
With the government planning to make flexible working a “day-one” right, businesses who resist change could end up losing talent - after all, millions of workers have already left roles because they weren’t offered flexibility.
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