Racism still rife in business

CVs from applicants with names that sound white British are significantly more likely to be successful in securing an interview, according to research from the Department for Work and Pensions.

To assess racial bias in recruitment practices, 3,000 fictitious job applications were submitted to employers in seven UK cities. Those with names like Andrew Clarke and Alison Taylor obtained an encouraging response in one in nine cases, while identically qualified applicants with names typical of an Asian or African background were successful only one in 16 times.

Jim Knight, minister for employment and welfare reform, says the study is clear proof of continuing racism in recruitment practices. Adds Knight, ‘This has no place in a modern society, and racial discrimination cannot be allowed to continue.’  
According to Ronnie Fox, an employment specialist at law firm Fox, discrimination legislation takes time to change fundamental attitudes. ‘[Discrimination laws] have had an enormous effect, but they haven’t completely done their job – just as the 30-mile-an-hour speed limit in built-up areas hasn’t stopped everyone speeding,’ says Fox.

Stephen Bentley, CEO of Granby Marketing Services, is ‘not surprised, but heavily disappointed’ by the results of the study. He adds, ‘There are established Asian and Eastern European communities in Blackburn, where our office is based. Recruitment is not about colour or ethnic background, it’s about getting the best talent available, and anyone who does anything else is missing a big trick.’

According to research from lobbying organisation Race for Opportunity, ethnic minority candidates make up 8.5 per cent of the total workforce but just 4.3 per cent of board-level employees.