Young people report 'shocking' racism at work

Young BAME workers are facing "shocking" levels of racism in the workplace according to polling by the Youth Futures Foundation.

The organisation's survey of 3,250 16 to 24 year-olds from BAME backgrounds found that almost half reported having experienced racial prejudice or discrimination at work, with 70% of those saying they have considered switching jobs as a result.

A third of young BAME employees have been on the receiving end of racist remarks, jokes or banter, the survey found, while a further two-thirds overheard a co-worker or manager making racist slurs, while a fifth have had derogatory comments from colleagues.

More than two-thirds said they didn't report the racism as they thought it wouldn't make a difference, while nearly two-fifths said it had led to a loss of self-confidence. Almost a third of BAME young people not in employment or education claimed discrimination was the main barrier to finding work.

Sarah Yong, Youth Future's director of policy and communications, said the findings were "shocking" and the damage done significant.

"Understanding the barriers young people face when accessing employment is crucial to dismantling them," she said. "We hope these findings spur workplaces and policymakers to take action now to tackle discriminatory practices."