Hachette UK named one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality for sixth year

24 June 2025 – Hachette UK has been listed as one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2025 for the sixth consecutive year.

Hachette UK submitted evidence of the business’ commitment to removing gender inequalities in the workplace through policies and cultural interventions, including addressing pay disparities, offering flexible working, family-friendly policies, its inclusive culture, reward, and ensuring progression at work. Hachette UK’s Gender Balance employee network remains the largest of the business’ 11 networks and has driven culture change via events, advising on policy change and advocating for its members.

One of the UK’s most highly profiled and well-established list of employers making gender equality part of their business strategy at all levels, The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality awards organisations on their commitment to addressing gender inequalities in the workplace.

Georgina Schofield, Interim HR Director at Hachette UK, said: “We are thrilled to have been selected for the sixth consecutive year and recognised for the policies we have implemented, including the enhancement of our Family Leave policies, the introduction of the Fertility Leave Policy and our new parental coaching scheme, which aims to support staff with their return to work. We’re proud of the increased representation of women in senior roles, particularly in the upper middle quartile, and the advocacy and passion from our incredible Gender Balance Network has played a vital role in helping us remain accountable in achieving our goals. Their work on events for staff to demystify career progression and flexible working has been invaluable, and we’re so thankful for all that they do. Our commitment to gender equality remains firmly on the agenda as part of our Changing the Story goals. This recognition speaks to the culture we are committed to continuing to build – one that authentically reflects our readership, and one where all staff feel supported, listened to, and empowered to thrive.”

Kieran Harding, Acting Chief Executive of Business in the Community, said: “The businesses that have made it into this year’s Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality demonstrates those that are holding fast to their values around equality. It is imperative for employers to eradicate gender inequality in the workplace, not only because it is the right thing to do, but it will also unlock economic benefits for businesses and ‘lift up’ the UK. While there is still much work to be done, the progress being made to ensure equal pay, career progression and offering enhanced flexible working and family friendly policies shows that we’re on the right path.”