Women in Leadership: Discrimination in the workplace

By Cayni Sheeqow

Racial discrimination in the world of work is rife, and many people have subconscious biases. Black Britons and those of South Asian origin face discrimination in the labour market at levels unchanged since the late 1960s, research has found. The McGregor-Smith Review found discrimination against black Britons and those of South Asian origin – particularly Pakistanis – unchanged over almost 50 years when comparing their results with similar field experiments dating back to 1969.

The types of problems POC often face at work include:

Employment pay gap: Black workers get paid 8.3% less than white workers – costing them an average of £1.15 an hour.

Qualifications pay gap: Black workers whose highest qualifications are A-levels earn 10% less than their white peers – missing out on an average of £1.20 per hour.

Type of employment: POC workers are over a third more likely than white workers to be stuck in temporary or zero-hour work.

Abuse at work: More than a third (37%) of POC workers have been bullied, abused or singled out at work.

Effects of racism: TUC polling shows that over half (57%) of BME women affected by bullying and harassment have suffered mental health problems.

This is disturbing, however not completely surprising for those who have experienced racial discrimination. Just as Ms Carayol stressed the importance of brave leadership during her presentation, organisations should have brave leaders who are striving to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion.

The statistics above are real and justify why events like Harris Clapham Sixth Form's Women in Leadership day is essential for all young people to be involved it. We can be the generation of change.