Despite a political backlash from some parts against DE&I, it remains a key consideration. 59% of UK consumers agree DE&I initiatives are increasingly necessary, yet 33% think brand efforts have…
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UK Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report 2025
"DEI remains an important issue for consumers, particularly for more diverse younger generations. Brands must prioritise accessibility as the population ages."
Rich Shepherd, Category Director - Financial Services and Social Research
Despite a political backlash from some parts against DE&I, it remains a key consideration. 59% of UK consumers agree DE&I initiatives are increasingly necessary, yet 33% think brand efforts have declined in the past year. With an ageing, more ethnically diverse population, consumer expectations and demands around inclusivity will only grow. Representation and authenticity are under closer scrutiny than ever as complex inclusion demands move centre-stage.
Gen Z and younger Millennials are an increasingly influential part of the workforce. With 76% ready to call out discrimination, the risk for brands that underdeliver on measurable, transparent DE&I is high. At the same time, the average consumer is living longer and spending more time living with a disability, making inclusive design a commercial opportunity. Brands that embed accessibility in product design and service delivery will win among both older and younger demographics.
Backlash against performative efforts is intensifying, and 47% find DE&I initiatives unauthentic. The greatest threat to brands in this space is reputational damage from tokenism, while the reward lies in transparent, needs-led actions proven by real outcomes. Success now depends on moving beyond pledges to tangible, everyday inclusion embedded across business functions.
This Report Looks at the Following Areas:
The demographic, economic and political factors impacting DE&I in the UK
Perceived underrepresentation of different groups in the workplace, advertising and the media
Priority sectors and brand responsibilities for DE&I, including higher demand for inclusion in financial services, tech and fashion
Consumer attitudes towards DE&I, including scepticism over the authenticity of brand efforts
How brands are navigating an increasingly complex DE&I landscape
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
What you need to know
Outlook for diversity, equity and inclusion
Opportunities
Design now for a more diverse future
Include affordability in DE&I considerations
Amplify real voices to prove authenticity
THE MARKET
The economic environment continues to throw up challenges
Most are getting by, but an uneven recovery offers unequal opportunities
Graph 1: the financial wellbeing index, 2020-25
Graph 2: current financial situation, by annual household income, 2025
Women continue to lag behind men in labour market participation
Graph 3: employment status, by age, August-October 2025
Graph 4: employment status, by gender, August-October 2025
Brits are getting older, and increasingly diverse
Younger groups are more likely to identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual
Longer lives mean Brits will spend more time living with a disability
Graph 5: healthy life expectancy at birth, 2021-23 cohort
Recent legislative changes having an impact on DE&I
THE CONSUMER
Representation in the workplace
People with different health needs are most likely to be considered marginalised in the workplace
Graph 6: perceived underrepresentation of selected population groups in the workplace, 2025
Listen to authentic voices to achieve meaningful inclusion
Graph 7: perceived underrepresentation of people from a minority ethnic background in the workplace, by ethnicitity, 2025
Younger Brits are more sensitive to gaps in representation
Support allyship and promote inclusion to boost employee relations
Representation in advertising and the media
Advertisers are most often accused of underrepresentation on the basis of appearance
Graph 8: perceived underrepresentation in advertising, 2025
Diversity in advertising is a low consumer priority, with a high impact
Media brands need to arrest the slide towards a less progressive past
Brand diversity, equity and inclusion responsibilities
Consumers support a range of DE&I initiatives, but prioritise accessibility
Brands should take a holistic approach to inclusion and accessibility
Call for retailers to cater to diverse needs
Amplify diverse employee voices to boost customer inclusion
Inclusion across categories
The biggest calls for inclusion come in finance, tech and clothing
DE&I visibility is clearest in clothing and beauty, but other sectors can have a bigger effect
Maximise understanding to improve accessibility
Broaden mainstream tastes in food and drink by catering to younger diverse palates
Graph 9: conumers who identify food and drink as a category where brands most need to prioritise inclusion, by generation, 2025
DE&I in the UK
Most agree that people can live the way they want in the UK…
… but authenticity is an ongoing challenge for brands
Most Brits celebrate and seek out multicultural experiences
Getting DE&I right is a critical factor in retaining Gen Z and Younger Millennial business
Be transparent, or hear from bold, principled young consumers
INNOVATION AND MARKETING
Brand strategies
Brands have to make a choice amid a global DE&I backlash
Authentic DE&I action requires specific commitments, and actionable goals
Curry’s seeks to go “Beyond Techspectations”
Collaborate with creators with real experiences to boost authentic inclusion
APPENDIX
The consumer
Report scope
Consumer research questions
Consumer research methodology
UK generation groups
Abbreviations
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