Managers ‘must be trained to tackle workplace discrimination’

It is important that managers are trained to tackle discrimination in the workplace in order to avoid tribunals, it has been claimed.

According to Jean Kelly of Jean Kelly Consultancy, managers have responsibilities in relation to workplace discrimination and they must be made aware of these.

"Managers need to set the standard of behaviour, lead by example and challenge discriminatory behaviour," she remarked.

And she added that bullying and harassment are also important issues to address and managers should receive training to be able to deal with them effectively.

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According to the government’s public information service Directgov, workplace discrimination occurs when an employee or group of employees is treated differently to others.

This could be on the grounds of age, race, gender, social status, sexual orientation or for other reasons, such as the number of hours they work.

It advises employees experiencing discrimination to contact the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, their local Citizens Advice Bureau or their union if they are a member of one.