Positive Action & CBI's Change the Race Ratio Campaign

Deborah Scales, Employment Associate at Clarkslegal discusses the legal difference between positive discrimination and positive action, and warning employers about consequences of confusing them. 

The CBI is launching a campaign to increase racial and ethnic participation in British businesses.  This change the race ratio is to be welcomed and long overdue but how do such commendable objectives fit in with current discrimination legislation?  What does the equality act say about positive action in the workplace?