More than eight in 10 firms oppose legislative intervention to encourage under-represented minorities in UK companies, according to research from law firm DLA Piper.

The research shows that 77% would not support any change in the law in the next Parliament that would allow companies to introduce quotas for female managers if they wished, while 86% would oppose any new legislation with the express purpose of increasing the number of women on the boards of UK companies.

Jonathan Exten-Wright, employment partner at DLA Piper London, says: “The high level of opposition to any legislative change by the government in recruitment and promotion appears to reflect a broader distaste for any further legal burden on UK companies, and the importance placed on individuals being rewarded on merit and no other factors.  

“Clearly, everybody would like to see UK companies operate in a meritocratic manner, and the system is currently far from perfect – however, the clear message from this research is that direct legislative intervention would face significant opposition from some in the business community.

“Any incoming government will be faced with the dilemma of campaigners arguing best practice has not gone far enough and business resisting what it sees as unworkable red tape.”