HS2 says it is continuing to lead by example as it published its annual EDI report. 

In its latest Equality, Diversity and Inclusion report, HS2 says it is continuing to challenge its national supply chain, and the wider rail engineering and construction sectors, to champion inclusivity.

Across the supply chain, HS2 says its performance continues to beat industry averages for the number of female and BAME employees working on the project, with the supply chain achieving 28% and 18% respectively.

HS2 is working with 2,500 UK-based businesses across its supply chain. 

Whilst just shy of the internal targets it set itself, HS2's own performance saw its female workforce reach 37% [40%]. The number of BAME employees peaked at 22% [23%] – although HS2 added it is discretionary as to whether staff choose to disclose their ethnicity and/or disability status.

Natalie Penrose, head of legacy at HS2, said: “HS2’s construction is gathering pace by the day, and we now have a 25,000-strong workforce spread across more than 350 sites. HS2’s scale brings the reality of our challenge to life, given the white male dominance that has gripped the rail and civil engineering sectors for many years.

“But every challenge brings opportunity, and I’m proud of the huge waves we are making to address national skills shortages, the threat of an ageing workforce in engineering and in attracting more women and BAME candidates into employment on the project.”