The BA is proud to publish our first Workforce Diversity Survey, providing us with the first snapshot of the demographics of bookselling. Conducted for us confidentially by EA Inclusion, the Survey paints a picture of a sector which attracts booksellers in from a range of socio-economic backgrounds, provides a safe space for LGBTQ booksellers, and those with mental health challenges and neurodiverse conditions, but which continues to under-represent booksellers of colour. The Report has provided us with food for thought, and the BA’s Equality and Inclusion Action Group will be working with EA Inclusion and other bodies to formulate an Inclusion Action Plan for Bookselling in the coming months. Key findings of the Report include:
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 meryl.halls@booksellers.org.uk 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