Diversity survey of the publishing workforce 2021

The Publishers Association’s industry survey shows that there has been an increase in the diversity of the workforce, but that there are still areas which need to be improved on. 

The survey is the biggest of its kind in the creative industries. A total of 14,089 employees from 60 businesses took part in 2021. 

Key findings:

• Over half of those in executive leadership and senior management positions are female (52% and 56% respectively). 63% of survey respondents were female.  
• Representation of people from ethnic minority groups (excluding white minorities) has increased to 15%, achieving the Publishers Association’s target set for 2022. 
• LGB+ representation continues to increase further with 13% of respondents either identifying as lesbian, gay, or bi, or preferring to self-describe their sexual orientation, a figure which has grown each year since 2017 (5%).
• 1% of respondents identify as trans which is in line with the UK population according to Government Equalities Office estimates. 
• The representation of people with a disability has increased over the years from 2% in 2017 to 13% in 2021. 
• Socio-economic background continues to represent major barriers to inclusion, with around two thirds (67%) of respondents being from professional backgrounds.