Commenting on the announcement from the
Labour Party that it will bring forward a new Race Equality Act
if it wins the next election, Dr Patrick Roach,
General Secretary of NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union,
said:
“Teachers and all workers deserve to be treated fairly, and with
respect and dignity at work.
“However, Black teachers and leaders are paid less than their
white colleagues, are more likely to be employed in temporary
posts, less likely to be promoted and are more likely to be
disciplined or dismissed from their jobs.
“We have seen growing evidence of workplace discrimination and
inequality. Our education system has not been immune to and it is
clear that more robust measures are needed to address the reality
of systemic institutional discrimination.
“However, passing laws alone will not eradicate racial
discrimination and inequality. It will require clear leadership
and increased funding from Government, alongside stringent
regulation, inspection and enforcement.
“Following our campaigning for disability and race pay gap
reporting by employers, it is welcome to see this policy
commitment finally emerging.
“Systemic discrimination is wasting talent and impacting
adversely on children’s education.
“Over the last 14 years, not only have the economic and
employment disparities that exist completely fail to be
addressed, but inequality has widened and been exacerbated at
work.
“Legislation coupled with stronger regulation would help to
secure a fair and level playing field for teachers and for all
workers.
“The commitment to introducing a new Race Equality Act is a
welcome step towards securing racial justice at work.
