Home > News > September 2005 > 27-Sep-2005

Acas and The Trafford Centre launch first Fair Employment Zone

Acas and The Trafford Centre are working in partnership to launch the first 'Fair Employment Zone' in the UK. The scheme is aiming to enhance best practice in equality and diversity for the Centre's 7,000 employees.

All of The Trafford Centre's 230 retailers will be invited to join the scheme and Acas will provide staff training on equality and diversity issues as well as offering 'health checks' on their current policies and procedures.

The aim of the Fair Employment Zone is to assist Trafford Centre retailers and restaurateurs to further develop and sustain a business culture which values and promotes diversity so that the workforce better reflects the local community.

According to Acas, members of the scheme will participate in the development of diversity policies and procedures, ensure staff and line managers are trained in the contents and practical applications of these policies, and ensure all staff have a basic understanding of equal opportunities legislation.

In addition to the work with employers in The Trafford Centre there will also be a specially commissioned short film to be shown on the screen the The Orient, and public awareness events to promote and celebrate diversity.

Susan Clews, regional director for Acas North West, commented: "This is an excellent example of public and private sector partners working together to help North West businesses to be successful. Harnessing the skills and commitment of our region's employees makes good business sense and will, I hope, further promote the region as a great place to work.

Gordon McKinnon, director of operations at The Trafford Centre said: "We are delighted to be the first shopping centre in the UK to be able to offer this unique service to employees within the Centre. Greater Manchester is a hugely diverse and multicultural region and it's naturally in our interest to ensure that our workforce reflects this.

"The training offered by Acas will ensure that retailers have the facility of being advised on equality and diversity in the workplace. The Trafford Centre is proud to be part of this farsighted initiative and we look forward to further developing our partnership with Acas in the future."

Beverley Hughes, MP for Stretford and Urmston, said: "The North West is a vibrant place to live and work and is a key contributor to the UK economy. It can, however, do better still if businesses truly embrace diversity, so that everyone has the opportunity to be a part of the region's economic success.

"It is a sign of the forward-thinking approach of the North West that our region is the first to launch such an integrated programme of business support and public awareness. I hope that this scheme provides a template for other such initiatives throughout the country."

The Northwest Development Agency has provided initial funding to support the scheme. Steve Broomhead, chief executive of the agency said, "Securing economic and social inclusion is a key priority for the NWDA and we are committed to ensuring that equality and diversity is actively encouraged and promoted throughout the region. The Agency is pleased to support this important scheme, which will go a long way towards helping The Trafford Centre and its businesses to ensure that equality and diversity are fully embedded into their processes."

Other partners in the scheme are the Greater Manchester Employer Coalition, Jobcentre Plus, the Learning and Skills Council and USDAW.

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