Racism in the Workplace (and Proxy Racism)

[BioTech]

Just found out from my girlfriend that a new employee at her workplace (small sales company) passed a seriously offensive racist comment. When she quizzed him about it to see if he was serious she found out he votes BNP.

She took it to her boss to say that she wasn't really happy about what was said etc and he brushed it off and didn't care. Which, to me, is proxy racism.

Anyone know the laws behind this. It's essentially accepting racist behaviour in the workplace. My girlfriend is of uk origin so she is "safe" from this twat, but her workmate is half asian origin. She is actually on holiday today so maybe he has been holding back his hate and spite until now.

[General Lighting]

if this guy does not actively discriminate against people he's not committing any disciplinary or criminal offence (even expressing racist views is allowed, although offensive language may not be), but someone with such strong views is unlikely to be able to "hold back his hate".

You would need proof of such an incident occuring - such as evidence that he is bullying a colleague, or evidence of something like a drop in morale/sales figures caused by a bad atmosphere in the office. TBH especially if the boss isn't "that bothered" and recruited him anyway, only the drop in sales figures would be the driver to discipline him or get rid of him.

Bear in mind also if this guy is dealing directly with customers and any of them are from ethnic minorities, he could cost that company a lot of business. People like him tend to (even unknowingly) give worse customer service to those they disagree with.

There are a lot of powerful Asian business people in Suffolk (which is possibly the most multicultural county in the East Anglia region) and they can easily see through "hidden" racism..

[feedyourheadspace]

Unfortunately there's a lot of it about. I'm forever having arguments with ignorant dickheads at work. Afaik, unless it's directed at you and you make a complaint to a supervisor/manager theres not much anyone can do, apart from confront the racist. This can be difficult where the majority of people are like that.
http://www.lawpack.co.uk/bullying.asp this page has some interesting stuff on it. I have had a few instances where I've had to deal with idiots. The main problem is that managers are still afraid to deal with these issues for fear of upsetting the applecart or even retribution from more hardcore nutters.

[BioTech]

Thanks for your advice guys. Apart from being shocked I suppose it wouldn't normally cause a massive issue if it was a larger company. Due to the fact that there are only 8 people in the building (including the 2 partners) they have to owrk closely together and I suppose it's now made things a bit uncomfortable.

[Heavy]

It would take a really strong minded boss to actually do something about this kind of thing.

Taking it down the proper procedure would be a nightmare for the boss and probably the rest of the staff.

If the boss, or staff team really wanted this twat to suffer and ultimately fuck off, some more subtle and underhand means would be more effective.

Depending on the veiws of the other staff, this blokes life could be made very uncomfortable.

I could have real fun with in that office. The possibilities are endless.

Come on, how would you secretly fuck this bloke up.

I'll start by deleting/shredding his contacts list and quaterly figures just before they are required.

(oh, and piss in his coffee)

[BioTech]

Originally posted by Heavy

I'll start by deleting/shredding his contacts list and quaterly figures just before they are required.

(oh, and piss in his coffee)

[globalloon]

anything that is 'percieved to be racist' by the victim, is racist in law

if the employer doesn't take any action following a complaint, he can also be sued. this rule applies to any employer who doesn't take reasonable steps to prevent any discriminatory behaviour from any of their employees (it's the reason loads of employers send all staff on 'diversity training' - to cover their own backs)

[Dr Bunsen]