NIESR publishes report on caste discrimination
The National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) has published a report, commissioned by the previous Labour Government, on caste discrimination and harassment in Great Britain, which shows evidence of discrimination in employment by higher castes against lower castes.
The Equality Act 2010 gives the Government the power to provide specifically that “caste” is an aspect of “race” for the purposes of the Act, which would ensure that caste discrimination and harassment in employment are unlawful. The previous Labour Government commissioned the NIESR to conduct research into caste discrimination to determine whether this power would be used and the Government Equalities Office has now published its report, Caste discrimination and harassment in Great Britain, together with a summary of the findings.
The report states that caste awareness in Britain is concentrated among people with roots in the Indian sub-continent (around 5% of the population). There is evidence of caste discrimination and harassment in the workplace (bullying, recruitment, promotion, task allocation) by higher castes against lowest castes and the NIESR are of the view that specific anti-caste discrimination measures are required to tackle the problem. The Government will now examine the report before deciding whether to use its power to outlaw caste discrimination.
This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.
