Frank & Honest

• Life »
• Work:

Race discrimination

Put simply, it is against the law to discriminate against someone because of their race, colour or ethnic nationality.

Racial discrimination laws cover employment, education and many other aspects of life, including the provision of services such as housing.

Different types of Discrimination
Discrimination on the grounds of race can take the form of direct or indirect discrimination and can include harassment or victimisation:

• direct discrimination – deliberate discrimination. An example of direct race discrimination would include someone being treated less favourably than someone else simply because of the colour of their skin. The discrimination could take the form of words or actions – for instance, an employer deciding not to promote or employ someone because of their race.
• indirect discrimination – this relates to when a racial group is disadvantaged as a result of procedures or practices. An example might include banning the wearing of certain religious garments at work.
• harassment – behaviour that offends someone or creates a difficult atmosphere on racial grounds. An example might be making racist jokes.

• victimisation – this can include treating someone less favourably due to a complaint they’ve made regarding racial discrimination.

Race discrimination in schools and colleges
The laws on discrimination cover education providers such as schools, colleges and universities. Schools and colleges have a duty to support all their students to study in an environment free of prejudice and discrimination.

If you would like to talk to someone about any kind of racial discrimination or harrassment that you have experienced or witnessed, it’s important to know that there are people out there for you to contact. You may wish to talk to a friend, a family member, a teacher or head teacher. You can also get confidential advice from the Equality and Human Rights Commission Helpline Wales at 0845 604 8810.

Contact Details and Links

Name: Equality and Human Rights Commission (Wales Office)
Web: www.equalityhumanrights.com
www.equalityhumanrights.com
Email:
Tel: 029 20447710
Tel: 0845 604 8810 (Equality and Human Rights Commission Helpline Wales)
Textphone: 0845 604 8820 (Wales specific line)
Info: The Equality and Human Rights Commission is charged by law to protect individuals against discrimination, to enforce the laws on equality and to promote fairness and human rights for everyone. The Commission relates to Wales, England and Scotland (but not Northern Ireland.)

Name: Citizens Advice Bureau
Web: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Web: www.adviceguide.org.uk (States that the page relates to England, but the relevant laws cover Wales and England)
Info: Citizens Advice Bureaux provide free, confidential and independent advice from over 3,000 locations including in bureaux, GP surgeries, hospitals, colleges, prisons and courts.

Name: Direct Gov – Racial Discrimination pages
Web: www.direct.gov.uk
Info: Directgov is the website of the UK government. It provides information and online services for the public all in one place.

Name: Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)
Web: http://www.acas.org.uk
Email:
Tel: 08457 474 747
Info: Acas has a range of services which can help individuals or groups of employees to avoid or resolve problems and disputes in the workplace.

Name: Kick it Out (KIO)
Web: www.kickitout.org/
Email: info@kickitout.org
Tel: 020 7684 4884
Info: Kick it Out is football’s anti-racism campaign.

Frank and Honest is not responsible for the content of any external websites.

A link on FrankandHonest.com to an external website does not mean that the linked website has been endorsed or approved by Frank and Honest in any way.

The content of this website is not intended to be a substitute for individual professional advice.

To read the FrankandHonest.com full disclaimer, please click here

Drafted by HE 28 Sept 2009
Last updated HE 29 Sept 2009

Frankandhonest.com is brought to you by ASK Education & Training Ltd. We provide training for young people and organisations working with young people. This site was created in response to countless requests from young people for a place to get answers.