Tackling racism in the workplace
The matter of race discrimination in the workplace has once again been thrust back into the spotlight following a leaked report into Yorkshire County Cricket Club’s treatment of English cricketer Azeem Rafiq showed major failings in how it handled Rafiq's historical allegations of racism.
After it was quoted as stating that the racial slurs directed towards Rafiq were simply "friendly and good-natured banter" and that "no conduct or action” towards Rafiq “warrants disciplinary action", the Club lost a slew of major sponsors and now also finds itself at the centre of a wider Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport select committee investigation.
Rafiq has since accused his former club of “institutional racism” raising the important question of whether many other businesses or organisations across the UK commercial landscape would themselves be equipped to deal with matters of such gravity should they ever arise?
Tina Chander, Head of Employment Law at Midlands law firm, Wright Hassall, is keen to improve awareness of the topic, by encouraging business owners to become better educated with regards to their obligations when it comes to ensuring racial equality in the workplace.
We need to look at:
- How the law defines race discrimination in the workplace
- Identifying, reporting, and tackling racist incidents
- Duty of care towards employees
- Workplace policies
- Potential outcomes if incidents are overlooked or not handled appropriately