Nearly 98 per cent of black British people have had to compromise who they are or how they express themselves to fit in the workplace, according to a new survey.
The survey was conducted as part of the Black British Voices Research project, an initiative of the Voice newspaper, I-Cubed Consultancy, and the University of Cambridge. A poll of almost 11,000 Black Britons covered sixteen subjects, such as racism, identity, and Britishness.
The factors listed as impacting the lack of promotion or possibilities for professional development at work include appearance including adapting hairstyles and cultural background.
Around 88 per cent of participants also stated that they have encountered racial discrimination at work with employers’ attempts to combat racial prejudice at work frequently seen as ineffective or even seen as making things worse.
BBVP ambassador Dr Maggie Semple OBE says: “The survey’s overwhelming response shows that Black British people want change in the workplace. Change for good, for them, their children and future generations.
“We can no longer overlook the lived realities of Black people in the UK and be non-committal in providing impactful long-term solutions. This is an opportunity to acknowledge our views and opinions, with the intent of creating a better future for us all.”
