More than seven million UK employees report facing discrimination in the workplace, according to a major international survey.
A total of 22 per cent of UK workers reported facing discrimination at work because of their identity. This more than doubled to 45 per cent of people from a black background, 41 per cent from an Asian background, and 33 per cent from the LGBTQ+ community.
But the study, which examined workplace discrimination in six countries, found the UK fared better than the others nations polled.
On average, across all the countries, 28 per cent of people felt they had experienced discrimination, according to the report from research group Savanta.
The US topped the list, with 33 per cent of workers saying they were affected. It was followed by Sweden (32 per cent), France (29 per cent), and the Netherlands and Germany (25 per cent).
Savanta questioned almost 5,000 people in the USA and the five European countries in May and June.
It found UK employers were doing more than others to improve diversity, equality and inclusion (DE&I), with 45 per cent reporting their company had a DE&I policy, against a wider 38 per cent average.
Sadia Corey, at Savanta, said: “It’s worrying that such a high number of employees have felt discriminated against in their place of work.
“While much discrimination comes as a result of unconscious bias amongst workers, managers and company policy, there is clearly more to be done to ensure that the workplace is a safe space for everyone.”
However, she added that in the UK, “employees recognise that most employers working hard to resolve these issues, and while there is still work to do, senior leaders should be relieved that their DE&I initiatives are starting to make a difference.”
The Savanta research comes as a study by the UK’s Recruitment & Employment Confederation found that nearly half of firms do not state interest in diverse applicants in job ads.
Its survey of 167 employers of different sizes concluded many employers are failing to take basic steps to improve equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in their hiring processes. These included nearly half (49%) saying they do not state their interest in hiring diverse candidates in their job adverts.
More than two thirds (67%) do not use name-blind CVs during selection, while more than half of firms (56%) do not have a policy of using diverse interview panels.
The survey also found that despite having greater human resources means compared to smaller and medium-sized businesses, larger firms perform only marginally better.
Neil Carberry, REC chief executive, said: “Given the profile of equality, diversity and inclusion issues, it is disappointing to see so little action being taken by firms. While a slim majority of employers have reviewed the wording of their adverts, the overall picture suggests there is a lot still to do.
“Many employers remain either unconvinced about the importance of changing their approach or are relying on old adverts and approaches that will not serve them well. In doing so they also miss out on the business benefits of a diverse workforce, which are only enhanced by the tightness of our labour market now.
“Pressure to change must come from boards and executives, as well as government and sector and trade bodies. We urge employers to turn to professional recruitment businesses who can advise them on how to devise and implement a strategy that gives them access to the widest possible talent pool.
“Candidates are increasingly looking to work for organisations that have a positive impact on society – and effective diverse hiring policies are a key part of that.”
