A report from the University of Manchester Equality, Diversity and Racism in the Workplace: A Qualitative Analysis of the 2015 Race at Work Survey has looked more closely at the data in the 2015 Race at Work survey, revealing the reasons why prejudice occurs and what can be done about it.
In the original survey of nearly 25,000 employees 30% said they had either witnessed or experienced racism from managers, colleagues, customers or suppliers. Some 17% of ethnic minority workers had witnessed such behaviour, and 16% had been on the receiving end of it. Less than half of employers provided equality, diversity and fairness training.
This report had added some important qualitative insights. Cases were particularly prevalent in the public, retail and service sectors, with those in less secure employment feeling less able to deal with racism. It also highlights a big gap in perception between those responsible for equality and diversity in workplaces, and those who are the victims of racism.
The report makes a number of recommendations for employers including:
– The appointment of a senior manager to take responsibility for ensuring the company has an anti-racism, equality and diversity policy and who is trained and able to demonstrate a requisite level of experience and understanding of diversity and equality.
– Equality targets aimed at eliminating racial harassment and complaints,
– Action on structural causes of inequality such as recruitment, pay rates and promotion.
