1. Why the need for action?
[ch 1: page 5]It goes without saying that no one should be discriminated against because of their ethnic background or skin colour – and many assume that there is race equality in employment today.
However, this chapter sets out some key facts which show clearly that inequality and racism in the world of work is very much alive and kicking.
Despite the development in Britain of a legal framework designed to protect people from unfair treatment because of their race, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) people still do not enjoy an equal place in the workforce. They face inequality in terms of employment and unemployment, pay, job seniority, and good work opportunities. They also suffer higher levels of harassment and bullying than white workers, often because of their racial background.