Latest news with #ED&I
ME Construction
09-07-2025
- Business
- ME Construction
Stake your claim to women's leadership!
Industry News Stake your claim to women's leadership! By This year's event combines the Summit and Awards in a single day We are delighted to announce the latest edition of the Women in Construction/ED&I Summit & Awards, taking place in Dubai on 1 October 2025. This year's event combines the Summit and Awards in a single day, creating a powerful, comprehensive forum that is both a tribute to progressive gender reforms and a celebration of the companies and personalities delivering lasting change. It's a flagship occasion for everyone committed to gender equality and reform in the construction sector. This year's summit focuses on three key themes discussing – and aimed to empower – gender equality: Aligning businesses with the existing legislation regarding women at work and giving a practical toolkit whereby employees can effectively lobby for change Women's inclusiveness in company team-building activities; the critical role of women in client liaison and project delivery Women in leadership: how to ensure that gender representation doesn't falter at the crucial stages of promotion and seniority The Women in Construction/ED&I Awards – now comprises 20 categories! In 2025, the Women in Construction/ED&I Awards have expanded substantially, and feature 20 categories highly relevant to the GCC's construction narratives. Spanning key issues rooted in the quest for women's workplace equality – as well as a raft of crucial ED&I agendas – they ensure that there's a relevant category for every niche and style of business. The awards feature categories for both individuals and organisations; they benchmark every style of activism, from women's team-building initiatives, women's representation on the C-Suite, and a commitment to ease of access for people of determination. Nominations for the Awards can be made via the event website:
Business News Wales
24-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Business Barometer Reveals Urgent Need for Skills Planning in Wales
A new report from The Open University reveals a growing disconnect between Welsh employers and the next generation of workers — one that could be preventing employers from addressing the country's persistent skills shortages. The 'Business Barometer: Skills for today and tomorrow: how employers can plan for future skills', is a survey of over 2,000 UK organisation leaders and 1,000 Gen Z adults. In Wales, 139 organisation leaders and 80 Gen Z adults (under the age of 25) were surveyed and reported that more than half (58%) of organisations are currently experiencing a skills shortage, the highest of all UK nations. At the same time, only a third (31%) of those Welsh organisations have specific initiatives in place to recruit, retain or train under-25s. Over half (54%) of Gen Z respondents in Wales are aware of the country's skills challenges and are factoring that into their career thinking — but they may not be receiving the guidance or support they need to become truly work-ready: 73% are considering careers based on where skills are most needed 66% would stay longer with an employer that offers training and development This gap in expectations is particularly stark at a time when digital, AI and sustainability skills are increasingly essential. While over half of Gen Z (58%) are already working in or interested in AI, 20% of Welsh employers say they're not confident they can deliver their AI strategies due to talent constraints. Dr Scott McKenzie, Assistant Director, Learning, Skills and Innovation at The Open University in Wales, said: 'The data is clear: there's a mismatch between employer intentions and practical action. But there's also a real opportunity here. Welsh employers can start by building structured skills plans, work with education providers invest in flexible training, and opening up opportunities to more diverse talent. The organisations who act now — who take learning seriously, at every level — will be the ones who will thrive in the years ahead.' Baroness Martha Lane Fox CBE, Chancellor at The Open University added: 'Employers have an incredible opportunity — and responsibility — to shape the future workforce. The talent is out there. Young people are motivated, they're digitally savvy, and they want to contribute. But they need clear training pathways, practical support, and employers willing to invest. 'While there are economic challenges at this moment for employers, the smartest organisations won't just wait for skills to arrive — they'll build them, inclusively and proactively, to fuel growth and resilience.' While global headlines have amplified political division over ED&I policies, the report reveals continued support for inclusion in the UK. The data shows that 80% of employers in Wales say ED&I is important to their organisation while 42% believe it will become even more important over the next five years. However, 25% have no initiatives in place for underrepresented or disadvantaged groups, including returners, career changers, and workers with disabilities or neurodiversities. This presents a missed opportunity to widen the talent pipeline and reduce economic inactivity — particularly in sectors and areas facing acute workforce shortages. The Business Barometer has tracked the skills shortage for nearly a decade and while the proportion of employers facing a skills shortage has stabilised since last year, the issue remains widespread across sectors and regions. The skills gap remains one of the most pressing issues for organisations in Wales, with nearly a third (38%) expecting it to worsen over the next five years. Among those currently affected, Welsh organisations report: Recruitment and training is more difficult due to the increase in national insurance (54%), increase in the minimum wage (56%) and economic uncertainty (72%) 60% report increased workload on other staff 43% cite reduced productivity 37% say they've scaled back growth or expansion plans 20% lack confidence in delivering their AI plans over the next five years Despite this, fewer than half of Welsh employers (36%) have a formal skills plan in place and even though the data shows training boosts retention, 30% of organisations say they hesitate to train staff for fear they'll leave. To find out more how employers can address the organisation skills shortage visit The Open University Business Barometer 2025
