Black and ethnic minority employees facing ‘appalling’ levels of racism in the workplace

Black and ethnic minority employees face “appalling” levels of racism, bullying and unfair treatment in their workplaces, new research has found.

The TUC has reported a “shocking increase” in overt racism in the workplace over the past six years, with the union warning that such behavior is common.

Incidents highlighted in the research include having their English language skills questioned, enduring racist jokes and banter, and even being subjected to violence, threats and intimidation.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “No one should be treated unfairly or discriminated against because of their background, where they come from or the color of their skin, but black and ethnic minority workers face appalling and increasing levels of racism and unfair treatment in Britain.

“This racism is disturbing the labor market and the situation is getting worse.

“The most overt forms of racism have increased shockingly in recent years.

“It’s time to take action to eliminate this.

“The new duty for employers to protect workers from harassment by patients and customers, introduced through the Employment Rights Act, will be a significant step forward for black and ethnic minority workers.”

The survey was conducted among more than 1,000 black, Asian and minority ethnic workers aged 16 and over in Great Britain.

It was revealed that more than 120,000 workers from minority ethnic backgrounds left their jobs due to racism in 2022.

Staff said discrimination ranged from racist bullying and harassment to more “covert” racism such as jokes, stereotypes or being treated differently at work.

At the time, the TUC called on government ministers to change the law to make employers more responsible for protecting workers and preventing racism in the workplace.

A black employee working at a Tesla factory in Nevada, USA, is suing the electric car maker for “ongoing severe, pervasive, race-based discrimination and harassment.”