Workplace Report February 2002

Features: Equality

TUC launches new advice on tackling racism

In response to the latest unemployment figures for black and Asian workers showing that racism is still a major problem in Britain's workplaces, the TUC has launched a new advice leaflet Racism at work to help workers tackle the problem.

Unemployment among black and Asian workers stands at 11% nationally compared to 5% for white workers. The region with the greatest difference is the West Midlands where black and Asian unemployment is 15% compared to 5% among white workers.

The leaflet, containing information in 10 different languages, advises workers suffering discrimination to contact their union workplace representative, or go to their union equality officer at head office, or ring the TUC's "Know your rights" line on 0870 600 4 882. The leaflets will be distributed by trades union councils.

TUC organising officer, Raj Jethwa , said: "Unions are stepping up their campaigning against this appalling workplace racism. We are aiming to help black and Asian workers take action against exclusion from job opportunities, being passed over for promotion, and bullying."