Cultural diversity

Within the United Kingdom our culture, working patterns and buying habits continue to change rapidly alongside our changing demographics. Our family and societal norms are also changing dramatically and probably more rapidly than many anticipated.

At Boots we fully understand that it is essential for us to attract and actively court diverse employees and customers from all sectors of the community if we're going to remain competitive. We serve the whole community and our ability to respond to the needs of all our customers is clearly enhanced if our own community within Boots is equally diverse. Recruiting, retaining and promoting diverse employees, therefore, is critical to our success in this rapidly changing marketplace.

For us, diversity means much more than legal compliance. We're pursuing an integrated business strategy that touches all corners of our organisation, from our stores and pharmacies through to our logistics and support functions. Nowhere in our organisation remains un-touched.

Of the people we employ, around 10% come from an ethnic minority background. However this is not reflected at all levels in Boots and work continues to address this. We have diversity policies relating to gender, race, religion, belief, age, disability and sexual orientation. These policies are constantly reviewed in light of changes in legislation and best practice, as well as the changing demographics and make-up of our society.

Number of employees (as at 31^st March 2008) - 69,832

Employees by type

By contract type