Ethnic Minority Workers facing ‘Appalling’ Levels of Workplace Racism

New research reveals black and ethnic minority workers across Britain are facing worsening racism, bullying and discrimination at work.

The TUC said there had been a “shocking increase” in explicit racism in workplaces over the past six years, warning that abuse, harassment and unfair treatment remain widespread for many employees.

Workers reported having their English language skills questioned, being subjected to racist jokes and banter, and in some cases facing violence, threats and intimidation.

The findings come from a survey of more than 1,000 black, Asian and minority ethnic working people aged 16 and over across Great Britain.

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

“This racism is plaguing the labour market and it’s getting worse.

“The most explicit forms of racism have seen a shocking increase over recent years.

“It’s time for action to stamp this out.

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

The TUC said workplace racism often extends beyond obvious abuse, with many employees also experiencing more subtle forms of discrimination.

These included being stereotyped, overlooked for opportunities, or treated differently by colleagues and managers because of their ethnicity.

The findings build on earlier concerns raised by the union.

In 2022, it was revealed that more than 120,000 workers from minority ethnic backgrounds had left their jobs because of racism.

At the time, staff said discrimination ranged from racist bullying and harassment to more hidden forms of racism, including offensive jokes, stereotypes and unequal treatment in the workplace.

The TUC had called on government ministers to strengthen legal protections and make employers more responsible for preventing racism and protecting staff from abuse.

The issue is not limited to Britain.

In the United States, a black employee at Tesla’s Nevada plant is suing the electric carmaker over what he describes as “ongoing severe, pervasive, race-based discrimination and harassment”.

The TUC said stronger protections, clearer employer accountability and better enforcement are needed to tackle racism at work and prevent more employees from being pushed out of their jobs.