Is your workplace racism free?

Employers have been asked to prominently display campaign posters, encourage staff to wear 'Racism Free Zone' stickers and distribute other promotional material including coasters and leaflets to raise awareness about the negative costs of racism and the positive benefits of diversity.

Bob Collins, Chief Commissioner, the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland said:

"Anti-Racist Workplace Week seeks to develop practical workplace strategies to support employers in promoting and achieving equality of opportunity in our increasingly culturally diverse workforce.

"Harassment in work is central to many enquiries received by the Commission. The number of people contacting us about racial discrimination or harassment has increased by 46% from 220 in 2006 to 321 in 2007. While 68% of respondents to the 2005 Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey, thought there was more racial prejudice in Northern Ireland in 2005 compared to the previous 5 years.

"Racism is a poison which has the potential to cause great damage to our society if we do not confront it. In the workplace it can cause divisions among staff, lower morale and blight the progress and prosperity of any business where it goes unchecked. Employers can play an important role in challenging this, in their own businesses and in the communities where they operate.

"The Commission, therefore, is delighted with the level of interest, support and planned activity across Northern Ireland; we hope this year's Anti-Racist Workplace Week will further eradicate racism from our society."

Events for Anti-Racist Workplace Week

A range of events have been organised to mark Anti-Racist Workplace Week including:

• cultural events,
• conferences,
• information days, and
• training sessions.

The Housing Executive, PSNI, NIC-ICTU and Royal College of Nursing have also signed up to actively participate during the week with a series of commitments.

The initiative is supported by the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All. The key themes for the year include "Rights, Representation, Recognition and Respect" all of which are essential elements in developing integrated workplaces.

About Anti-Racist Workplace Week

Anti-Racist Workplace Week is a social partner initiative organised by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and the Equality Authority in Ireland and involves key social partner organisations North and South. The partner organisations have put forward a seven point action plan for enterprises and organisations to promote equality in workplaces that are culturally diverse. The theme for Anti-Racist Workplace Week 2007 is 'Consolidating the Integrated Workplace'.

The integrated workplace requires:

• Action to support Black and minority ethnic (including Traveller) employees, in particular migrant workers, to adapt to the workplace and to engage effectively with the local community.
• Action to support all employees to develop the skills, knowledge and awareness to perform and engage effectively in culturally diverse workplaces.
• Action to develop workplace policies, procedures and practices that take account of cultural and linguistic diversity, promote full equality in practice and create a welcoming environment for Black and minority ethnic (including Traveller) employees.
• The social partners for this initiative are: CBI, NI Tourist Board, OFMDFM, NIC-ICTU, NI Housing Executive, PSNI and Business in the Community.

More information

For further information on the week's events and activities please contact the Equality Commission on (028) 90500600 or online at www.equalityni.org.