Utilities among most inclusive employers in UK

Four utilities companies have been named among the top 50 most inclusive employers in the country.

The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers list, run by the Inclusive Companies network, includes UK Power Networks (UKPN), United Utilities, Eon and Southern Water.

UKPN is listed sixth this year, having been placed third last year and fifth in 2020. The distribution network pointed out that over the past year it had run a programme to offer employment opportunities to under-represented groups and introduced a cross-industry event for International Women in Engineering Day 2022.

Paul Sesay, chief executive of Inclusive Companies, added: “UKPN is to be congratulated on placing sixth in the 2022 Inclusive Top 50 Employers Index with its position is testament to its commitment to workforce diversity. UKPN is shining a light on best practice in workplace diversity and inclusion, and we hope that other businesses will be inspired to follow their example.”

Eon UK has been listed every year since 2017, achieving his highest position this year of 15 (2021: 23; 2020: 31). The ranking comes after the company recently launched its first inclusion report. Over the past 18 months, Eon has introduced new hybrid working principles, started advertising all its roles as flexible and updated its recruitment and selection training with a focus on inclusion to support those with disabilities or neurodivergence.

Chief executive Michael Lewis said: “At Eon, we’re committed to building an inclusive organisation where colleagues know they’re valued, respected, and feel a sense of belonging so they can thrive and be at their best.

“It’s vital that we reflect our customers’ diverse backgrounds and life experiences and I’m hugely proud of the progress we’re making and the commitment of our board, our leaders and our colleagues to make Eon a place where everyone feels a true sense of belonging, as we continue to ensure diversity and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do.”

United Utilities is listed as 11^th with Southern Water at 44.

Julie Newton, head of organisational development at United Utilities, said: “We are so pleased with this recognition of the real strides we’ve been making at United Utilities towards a truly inclusive culture. We serve a population of 7 million customers across the North West of England – a highly diverse and vibrant region.  We know that having a workforce who can bring their whole selves to work every day and who represent and understand our customer base is key to innovation and great service. We’re still on that journey, but this is a wonderful accolade which shows we’re heading in the right direction.”