“The drinks industry has long faced challenges around safeguarding, representation, and inclusivity,” says Nicky Burston of The Drinks Trust.
According to data from Drinks United, a joint venture between the Drinks Trust, the WSET and the WSTA, too many workplaces are unsafe with research pointing to over 70% of women in the whisky industry and 37% of women in wine experiencing harassment at work.
Figures also show that only 25.8% of leadership roles in hospitality are held by women, and ethnic minorities make up just 9% of the workforce.
Drinks United is working to address these issues and has launched a new website www.drinksunited.co.uk for individuals and businesses to access resources and safeguarding guidance.
The organisation also acknowledges that smaller businesses can struggle with HR concerns, and Burston says the website has been “developed to help businesses who might not have their own internal structures to deliver a DEI programme as well as individuals who are looking for support.
“This website is a first step,” Burston adds, “and we have plans in the future for a more dynamic platform that will offer interactive resources, best-practice tools, and tailored industry support.”