Chuka Umunna MP, Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary, commenting on Business in the Community’s ‘Race to the Top’ report on tackling race inequality in management positions, said:

“It is unacceptable that there are still glass ceilings on the way to the boardroom. This report shows that past progress has gone into reverse, with the total number of senior managers from black and ethnic minority backgrounds falling over the last half-decade.

“Greater diversity in boardrooms adds to our competitiveness in a global marketplace. We need to see barriers removed so that senior management better reflects society at large and that all employees are able to reach their potential.

“Labour is clear that if we do not see sufficient progress on increasing diversity in boardrooms we would consider further measures – including legislation.”