Wise Employment has become the first recruitment agency in Swindon to be awarded with a national accreditation which demonstrates its commitment to achieving equality and diversity at work.

The recruitment consultancy has gained the REC (Recruitment and Employment Confederation) Diversity Assured Recruitment award.

Wise Employment has had stringent equal opportunity policies for many years, and appreciates the long term business benefits of being recognised for diversity.

It is estimated that by 2010, only 20 per cent of the labour market will be white, able bodied men, under 45.

It is therefore imperative that employers are aware that they face ever-increasing skills shortages if they do not harness talent from every possible source.

Martin Hills, manager of Wise Employment in Commercial Road, Swindon, said: "To continue to succeed in recruiting in the 21st Century maintaining a focus on our approach to diversity is a necessity and not a choice. Ensuring that we maintain an effective approach towards diversity in recruitment is not about being a do gooder' - it's really about making sure we make the right decisions for our long term business future."

Wise Employment has aligned itself with the REC and the Job Centre, who are backing this accreditation.