Workplace racism on the rise

New surveys have confirmed the problem of racism in the workplace is growing.

The survey conducted on behalf of the Equality Authority is being released to mark the start of "Anti-Racist Workplace Week".

It found that few employers are taking necessary steps to stamp out the problem.

Niall Crowley, chief executive of the Equality Authority said that the rise in race cases is very worrying.

"We've seen an extraordinary rise in our case work on the race ground.

"In 2000, it counted for 8% of our cases under the Employment Equality Act. Now it accounts for 27% of cases under the Employment Equality Act.

"So clearly, we have a problem in the Irish workplace," he said.

He continued: "We've also done a survey of Irish companies and found that less than half have employment equality policies in place.

"I think that's a serious pointer that the problem is not being addressed in any practical way."