In passing the Race Relations Act, Parliament empowered the Commission for Racial Equality to draw up a Code of Practice for Employment. The Code does not have the force of law but, if Industrial Tribunals consider any of its provisions relevant to a case before them, they must take such provisions into account. Also, individuals taking complaints of racial discrimination can call on the recommendations in support of their case. If you run your own business, such as a shop, then harassment can also take the form of assault, vandalism, graffiti or slogan daubing on your premises. However, this is not normally covered by the Race Relations Act and is a criminal matter.
Simple Steps Find out about the law relating to employment and racism.
Report any incident which happens at your place of work to your employer, your union or works representative, and keep a note of your conversation. The CRE was Set up by the Race Relations Act 1976 to work towards the elimination of discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity. Its primary role is to enforce the law under the Act and to lead formal investigations into companies and institutions where racial discrimination cannot be eliminated by agreement. The CRE may advise and assist individuals, particularly if there is a test case raising an issue of principle. Unfortunately, there is no legal aid available for people claiming racial discrimination in tribunals and the Commission is not in a position to pursue every claim.