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REC responds to DWP findings on race discrimination

The Department for Work and Pensions has today published new research in which it is revealed that racial discrimination towards people of an ethnic minority still exists based on responses to their surnames.

Commenting on the new research,  Kevin Green, the REC's Chief Executive, said:

“There is a question mark as to whether an undercover operation is the best way of driving the diversity agenda forward. However, we agree with the conclusions of the report that there is still some way to go in challenging discriminatory behaviour.  

“What this report shows is that more work needs to be done in educating employers of the business benefits that can result from having a positive attitude to diversity in the recruitment process. Small organisations in particular may not have the resources to adopt proactive diversity strategies themselves and need a helping hand. 

“This is where the UK’s recruitment industry can add value. According to research by the CIPD, 78 per cent of employers use recruitment agencies to help them in their recruitment which means recruiters are in an ideal position to educate and assist small employers.”  

Green concluded:

“The REC has constantly demonstrated the recruitment industry’s commitment to eradicating race discrimination through initiatives such as the Diversity Pledge and Diversity Assured. REC is currently working with Race for Opportunity, the EHRC and others on rooting out discriminatory behaviour.” 

 For more information about REC’s diversity agenda, go to http://www.rec.uk.com/about-recruitment/diversity.