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Technology Facebook Diversity & Inclusion

Facebook blames the talent pipeline for the lack of diversity in its workforce

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By John McCarthy, Opinion Editor

July 17, 2016 | 2 min read

Facebook made slim improvements on the diversity of its workforce during the week but came under fire for the excuse it offered on its, and the tech industry’s, poor hiring record.

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Facebook's diversity record is improving - slowly

The company’s black and Hispanic representation stayed at two per cent and four per cent respectively, while women edged up by a per cent point. The company said this tepid change was caused by the industry’s talent pipeline which it claims sees fewer women and minorities enter.

Maxine Williams, global director of diversity, said: “Appropriate representation in technology or any other industry will depend upon more people having the opportunity to gain necessary skills through the public education system.”

"I am kind of shocked that Facebook would continue to perpetuate a narrative that has been so thoroughly disproven by the data," said Joelle Emerson, founder and chief executive of Paradigm

It comes as the company announced for the first time its LGBT staff figures, bringing in a new era of scrutiny upon the company.

Technology Facebook Diversity & Inclusion

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