President Donald Trump’s recent executive order revoking federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) guidelines has sent ripples through the global business community, potentially affecting HR practices in the UK[1]. This move, part of Trump’s broader agenda to create a “colorblind and merit-based” society, has implications that extend beyond US borders[1].
Key Changes in US DEI Policy
Trump’s administration has taken swift action to dismantle DEI initiatives:
- Rescinded Biden’s executive order on promoting diversity in the federal workforce[1].
- Announced plans to end funding for DEI efforts at the federal level[1].
- Established a new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cut DEI-related spending[1].
- Closed the FBI’s DEI office[1].
These changes align with Trump’s campaign promises and reflect a significant shift in US policy towards DEI[4].
Potential Impact on UK HR Practices
While UK employment law remains distinct from US policies, the changes may influence multinational companies and UK businesses with US ties:
- Reassessment of Global DEI Strategies: UK companies with US operations may need to recalibrate their global DEI approaches to ensure compliance with new US regulations while maintaining UK standards[8].
- Diverging Data Collection Practices: As the US moves away from collecting race and ethnicity data, UK companies will need to navigate differing requirements, especially with upcoming UK ethnicity pay gap reporting[8].
- Budget Implications: Some US-headquartered organizations may scale back DEI budgets globally, potentially affecting UK initiatives[8].
- Compliance Challenges: UK HR departments in multinational firms may face challenges in explaining and implementing divergent DEI policies across different jurisdictions[8].
- Increased Focus on UK-Specific Legislation: With the US stepping back from DEI, UK HR professionals may need to emphasize compliance with UK and EU equality laws more strongly[8].
Considerations for UK HR Professionals
- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of both US and UK policy changes to navigate the evolving landscape effectively.
- Maintain UK Compliance: Despite US changes, ensure adherence to UK equality laws and upcoming regulations[5].
- Communication: Be prepared to explain UK legal requirements and their importance to US colleagues who may be influenced by the changing US landscape[8].
- Review Global Policies: Assess company-wide DEI policies to ensure they meet both UK standards and new US requirements.
- Data Management: Continue collecting diversity data as required by UK law, even if US counterparts reduce such practices[8].
While the full impact of Trump’s DEI policy changes on UK HR practices remains to be seen, it’s clear that HR professionals in the UK will need to navigate a more complex international landscape. Balancing global corporate policies with local legal requirements will be crucial in maintaining effective and compliant DEI initiatives in the UK.
Citations:
[1] https://19thnews.org/2025/01/trump-revokes-diversity-equity-inclusion-guidelines/
[2] https://www.clydeco.com/en/insights/2025/01/uk-workplace-law-changes-in-2025
[3] https://core-asset.co.uk/news-and-insight/2024/how-the-u-s-election-could-shape-employment-recruitment/
[4] https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2024/10/24/trump-ban-dei-diversity-equity-inclusion-first-day/
[5] https://www.lewissilkin.com/insights/2025/01/07/whats-happening-in-uk-employment-law-in-2025
[6] https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/us-election-2024-how-will-donald-trumps-return-impact-the-uks-global-future/
[7] https://www.brookings.edu/articles/project-2025-what-a-second-trump-term-could-mean-for-media-and-technology-policies/
[8] https://www.lewissilkin.com/en/insights/2024/11/27/implications-of-a-trump-administration-on-dei-and-employment-law-in-the-uk
[9] https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/trump-dei-inauguration/