UK Big Four among top employers for women

The Big Four have been named among the 50 best employers for women in the UK in The Times and Business in the Community’s (BITC) top employers for women list 2019.

Deloitte, which has appeared on the list for the fourth consecutive year, was also awarded a Gender Equality Game Changer Award, which is selected based on good practice examples that ‘demonstrate outstanding progress or transformational change and/ or innovation’.

Deloitte managing partner for talent Emma Codd said: “We are extremely proud to be listed once again as a top employer for women alongside other companies that are committed to driving greater gender equality in the workplace.

“It is also a great honour to receive a Game Changer Award for the focus that we have had on ensuring that we always provide an inclusive culture underpinned by respect.”

The Big Four have made the list for the past four consecutive years. Since the list began in 2011, KPMG and EY have both been included on the list each year. EY has remained on the list ever since 2012.

KPMG UK head of people Anna Purchas said: “Being recognised for the ninth year running is a source of great pride. Our Fairer Futures campaign, which we launched earlier this year, demonstrates our commitment to improving the inclusivity and diversity of our firm which includes working hard to attract and retain female talent at all levels.”

EY UK&I managing partner for talent Justice Campbell said: “I am proud EY has been listed as one of the UK’s top employers for women. Increasing the representation of women across our business, at every level, remains one of our top priorities. We continue to look for new ways to make our culture more diverse and inclusive.

“This includes our Reconnect programme, a returnship programme that has helped many professionals back into the workplace following a career break of between two and ten years, and our Women’s Network which is growing from strength to strength.”

BITC director of gender equality Chloe Chambraud said: “Historically companies have focused on policies and processes to address the inequality and bias that employees face on a daily basis. But this is not enough. It is only by changing the culture and promoting positive behaviours from the top that employers will see real change, and we look forward to supporting them on this journey.”