The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has issued an update on a statement it made at the end of June regarding the death of George Floyd, the Black Lives Matter movement, and issues of diversity within the jewellery industry.
In its 26 June statement it said: “The National Association of Jewellers’ is determined to work with its partners within our industry to eradicate any form of racism, and all other forms of discrimination.”
In the intervening weeks the NAJ has been “consulting with individuals and businesses as to feelings, experiences and behaviours regarding equality and diversity within the jewellery trade”.
Through discussions and observation it believes it has identified “a set of initial immediate actions” it can take to “start to address this important issue”.
These it listed as:
- Participate in and support research activities that help inform the issue of equality and diversity in the jewellery industry to inform longer term change;
- Improve equality and diversity guidance for members and in the wider industry, such as the equality and diversity guidance present in the association’s ‘Better Business Toolbox’;
- Actively feature a wider demographic of jewellers in NAJ communications, publications and at events;
- Introduce a scheme delivered by the Federation’s Benevolent Society which specifically focuses on breaking down barriers for BAME individuals entry into the jewellery industry.
The ‘Better Business Toolbox guidance: Equality and Diversity’ draft is available to read and give feedback on until 18 September.
Gary Wroe, NAJ chair, said: “We recognise that the above actions are not exhaustive, but they do have our initial attention. As well as these internal actions we will also work externally to support and champion partners and initiatives where equality and diversity participation and recognition is celebrated. This means it is important we continue to consult and continue to monitor the jewellery community consistent with our approach in recent weeks.”
The NAJ also noted that it had donated £5,000 to the Kassandra Lauren Gordon Fund for Black Jewellers.
NewsSource: professionaljeweller
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and TJM Media Pvt Ltd. is not responsible for any errors in the same.
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