- 79% of respondents identified their national identity as British, or at least one UK national identity (English, Welsh, Scottish, or Northern Irish) - 8% identified with a non-UK/ non-Irish national identity - 7% of respondents identified as being from ethnic minority groups - excluding White minorities (vs 18% of the population*), flat YOY - 90% of respondents felt included, 85% respected, 87% like they belonged and 87% could be their authentic self at work - 82% of respondents agreed that their organisation values and is committed to diversity and inclusion and 73% that their organisation was making progress in addressing diversity and inclusion - 61% of respondents felt that the culture in the bookselling industry is inclusive, up from 58% YOY and 52% in 2022 - 6% of respondents have been bullied by staff, with 1% receiving abuse and/or harassment. - 16% of respondents have received abuse and/or harassment from customers, with 5% having been bullied and 2% having experienced violence.
The Booksellers Association is committed to using the survey’s findings as an essential foundation to facilitate tangible actions to reach its aims of -
1. Increase diversity at all levels within the bookselling sector, where individuals cam reach their potential through the equitable promotion and management of staff. 2. Build the skills and environment needed in order to foster a culture of collaboration, flexibility and fairness. 3. Identify and break down systemic barriers to full inclusion by embedding DEI into leadership, systems, processes and governance
To achieve these aims, The Bookseller Association will this year – - Lauch a pilot mentoring programme for candidates from global majority - Run DEI Training from BA Leadership through to Booksellers Membership - Utilise a bank of role models from under-represented communities within this - Work with Creative Access to offer discounted listings on their job board
Read the Booksellers Association's Membership Workforce Survey.
More information on these projects will be sent out by the BA to its members, and you can also express interest in taking part as a Mentor by emailing [email protected]
The BA has set up an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Action Group to improve the diversity of the industry and of the bookselling sector, and to increase inclusion, both for booksellers and for their customers. The Action Group will look at both the diversity challenges within bookselling as a career, as well as representation issues around stocking appropriate titles and working with publishers and other partners. The Action Group will help to set the remit for the BA as widely as required.
We are inviting members to get involved in the Action Group, to assist the BA in identifying key goals, help set the agenda for the BA and its membership, and work with the BA to create resources, advice and help for booksellers in this arena. Any bookseller who would like to join our BA Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Action Group should email [email protected] to express an interest.
Other research and guidance The BA has produced a short guide Dealing with racially-motivated abuse in a bookshop. For information on diversity and equality legislation in the Equality Act, you can find it all here