HBOS (Halifax and Royal Bank of Scotland) has substantially increased the number of people it employs from ethnic minorities in the district.

The firm, which was listed in the top ten private sector companies in the Race for Opportunity Bench-marking Survey, has increased ethnic minority representation throughout the organisation from four per cent in 1998 to 7.6 per cent.

In Bradford, the firm has increased the amount from eight per cent to 18.2 per cent, while in Keighley it has increased its employment of ethnic minorities from 8.7 per cent to 28.6 per cent.

The company supported the Pathways to Employment event in Bradford yesterday and gave advice to Asian students on how to develop their understanding of employment opportunities in the area.

The business has also produced dual language posters and leaflets to acknowledge the different cultures in the area.

Following the merger between Halifax and Bank of Scotland, HBOS developed an equality and diversity strategy to support its inclusive vision.