TUC challenges surge in racist abuse following EU vote

8 August 2016

Unions, employers and the government must redouble efforts to tackle the increase in racism following the vote to leave the EU, according to a new TUC report released today (Monday).

The UK has seen a major spike in reports of racist and xenophobic incidents since the referendum, with the National Police Chiefs’ Council reporting a 57 per cent increase in hate crime in the days following the referendum. This was on top of the Home Office observing an 18% increase in hate crimes in 2014/15, and charities reporting Islamophobic and anti-Semitic incidents more than doubling.

The TUC report Challenging racism after the EU referendum includes a set of immediate actions that government, employers and trade unions can take to challenge and defeat racist behaviour.

Proposals include closer monitoring of far-right activities, zero-tolerance policies in the workplace, and abolishing employment tribunal fees.

Alongside the report, the TUC is also publishing today a guide with information and practical advice for union reps on combatting racism in the workplace.

Commenting on the report, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Despite progress reducing xenophobia and racism in Britain, we are a long way from eradicating it. And the recent surge in racist incidents since the Brexit vote is deeply disturbing.

“We need to stand up for modern British and trade union values – respect for difference, dignity at work, and a deep opposition to racism and extremism.

“Trade unions have long been a part of the fight against racism, but we can and should do more – as should the government and employers across the UK.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Recommendations for government

• Adequately resource police and prosecutors to deal with hate crime.
• More closely monitor and address far-right activity.
• Retain existing equality legislation in any post-Brexit review of legislation and improve protections at work, such as from harassment by clients or customers.
• Abolish fees for employment tribunals, so that victims of discrimination at work can seek justice.
• Develop a cross-departmental action plan to deal with racism.

Recommendations for employers

• Adopt and promote zero-tolerance anti-discrimination policies, such as Transport for London’s well-publicised policy of prosecuting those who abuse staff.
• Have a system so that staff can report discrimination at work easily, and have confidence employers will take it seriously.
• Work with unions to train and support staff.

Recommendations for unions

• Training for union reps on tackling discrimination at work.
• Support BAME and migrant members to become more involved in branches.
• Survey members to gauge attitudes and identify concerns.

- The TUC’s report, Challenging racism after the EU referendum, can be downloaded here: www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/ChallengingracismaftertheEUreferendum2.pdf

- The TUC guidebook for employers and union reps Combatting racist abuse in the workplace   can be downloaded here: www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/CombattingracistabuseTUCguide.pdf

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

- Follow the TUC on Twitter: @The_TUC and follow the TUC press team @tucnews

- Congress 2016 will be held in the Brighton Centre from Sunday 11 September to Wednesday 14 September. Free media passes can be obtained by visiting www.tuc.org.uk/MediaCredentials2016 and completing an online form. Applications must be in by noon on Tuesday 23 August. Any received later than that will be processed in Brighton and will cost £75.