Racial problems at work double to top complaints list

RACIAL discrimination in the workplace doubled last year and is now the most common cause for complaint by applicants to the Equality Tribunal.

The number of cases shot to 307 last year, representing almost half of all employment-related cases referred to the tribunal for investigation.

Tribunal director Melanie Pine said she believed the trend reflected the increasing ethnic diversity of the workforce and the greater awareness workers had of their rights rather than simply an increase in discriminatory practices by employers.