A new policy discussion paper from Acas highlights the need for more diversity and equality training in the workplace.

Back to Basics – Acas' experience of equality and diversity in the workplace, found “vast misunderstandings” among employers with the main barriers being a lack of awareness, entrenched attitudes and embarrassment to discuss the issues.

Based on the experience of Acas frontline staff, the report's key findings include:

Acas Chief Executive, John Taylor said: “Our staff work with thousands of employers and employees each year in a neutral, impartial environment so we see the real issues and behaviours in the workplace at ground level. It seems that although there has been improvement in understanding what equality and diversity means in general there are still vast misconceptions about the detail especially among small employers.”