Mar 28 2025

Constructing Rainbows - Divided generations, Hair discrimination and Flip the script

Inclusion update for the built environment and renewables industries
Newsletter 56: Divided generations, Hair discrimination and Flip the script
Constructing Rainbows advises built environment, facilities management and renewables organisations across the globe who have an aim of making our industry inclusive for all. To find out more visit www.constructingrainbows.co.uk
This newsletter will provide you with some updates on what others are doing, within the built environment, renewables and in other industries.
Emma examines how the rollback of inclusion initiatives in the US might affect FM workplaces in the UK. 
Tribunal rules law firm discriminated against partner because of his age
It was found that Walker Morris's mandatory equity partner retirement policy fell foul of the Equality Act, as he was not allowed to stay on after the age of 63. Apparently the policy was in place to allow younger employees to become partners.

The Default Retirement Age in the UK was abolished in 2011.
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Video: Inclusion will never be possible if the decisions that shape the world are made only by a few, for a few.
How personality tests are locking autistic people out of jobs
Psychometric testing has been around for a while now, supposedly a way of checking whether people have the “right fit” for a company, but how does that support diversity?

This article discusses the negative impact these tests have on neurodiverse individuals chances of getting the job. 

Bearing in mind many neurodiverse people haven’t been diagnosed, nor do many even know they are neurodiverse, they could be cutting out some really top talent from your recruitment process. 
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Video: Flip the script - when male leaders are treated the way female leaders are, they are more likely to recognise their male privilege and take action for Gender Equality.
Government backs miscarriage bereavement leave
Current legislation doesn’t allow for people taking time off work to grieve if they lose a baby in the early stages of pregnancy. A number of organisations have been bringing in policies for this, so it’s great to see the UK Government considering adding it into their upcoming employment bill. 
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Can you imagine not getting a job because of your hair? Or being sent home from work because someone finds your hair unprofessional? Well this is the experience of many Black women who experience hair discrimination. 

Hair discrimination is so bad that many Black women use chemical hair straightening agents that can affect their health. 

Some US states have stepped in and brought in legislation. In the UK although the Equality Act protects against race discrimination, it does not specifically mention hair, and people are campaigning for a change in the law. 
Gen Z are more divided than any other generation on gender equality, survey shows
This global survey highlights a tension between men and women, which is observed much more in Gen Z than Baby Boomers. This is a divide that needs to be reduced if we are to progress towards gender equality.

The narrative that gender equality is a zero-sum game, and that the advancement of women is the cause of all societal problems is being played upon by media and some politicians. 

But there is positive news: three fifths of Australians believe things would be better if more women were in positions of responsibility in government and companies; and two-thirds believe that young women today will have better lives than their mothers generation. 
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Video: Emma has been speaking to ThisWeekinFM about whether EDI still has a significant importance within the facilities management industry.

Spoiler alert: it’s still extremely important!

Find out what else she had to say in this interview…
The Workplace Event - NEC Birmingham - 8-10 April
We are going to be at The Workplace Event with LGBT+ in Facilities Management 8-10 April. 
Tues 8th 11.15 - Emma will be on the Knowledge Stage talking about the Power of Allyship in the workplace
Wed 9th 15.30 - Sharon will be at the Workplace Leaders Summit answering the question "Is DEI Dead?"
Thurs 10th 11.15 - Sharon will be on the knowledge stage chairing the inclusive rectuitment discussions.

Tickets are free - if you haven't got yours yet, sign up here
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