Research continues to show that employees from ethnic minorities suffer disadvantage in the labour market - and in the workplace.
Unemployment rates for some ethnic minority groups in Scotland are as high as 15% (as at September 2005), double that of the overall unemployment rate.
Race legislation makes it illegal to treat a person less favourably than others on racial grounds and covers all aspects of employment - from recruitment, pay and training, to the termination of a contract. Legislation protects against direct and indirect discrimination, victimisation and harassment.
In certain circumstances, employers may be able to restrict a job to people of a particular race or ethnic or nathional origin, if one of these characteristics is a genuine occupational requirement. This area should be treated with caution to avpid complaints of discrimination, and further legal advice should always be sought before applying exemptions.
The Race Relations (Ammendment) Act 2000 extended and strengthened the provisions of the Race Relations Act by placing an enforceable duty on all public authorities. The public sector must now work towards the elimination of race dscrimination and promote equal opportunities policies before they will award them contracts.
Employers should ensure that all employees understand their responsibilities in respect of race equality and could achieve this by implementing training, discussing key issuesduring induction periods, or by ensuring that their race equality policies are distributed to all staff and are available on noticeboards and in staff handbooks.
Links
- Equality and Human Rights Commission
- Set up under the Race Relations Act 1976 to tackle racial discrimination and promote racial equality.
- Black and Ethnic Minority Infrastructure in Scotland
- Serves as the voice for the black and ethnic minority voluntary sector.
- Department of Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform
- European Network Against Racism
- Latest news around the European Union on anti-racism and discrimination legislation.
- Institute of Race Relations
- News and information resources on race and refugee issues in the UK and Europe.
- Liberty Guide to Human Rights
- An easily understood guide to the Human Rights Act 1998, explaining its relevance and impact in many different areas of law, and has sections on employment rights under current legislation.
