Role of social partners in tackling discrimination at work – Eurofound report
Eurofound published a report on 31 August on the Role of social partners in tackling discrimination at work. Against the background of EU and national anti-discrimination legislation, it highlights the extent to which the need to tackle discrimination on different grounds is on the radar of cross-sectoral social partners. It also provides an overview of the measures taken to deal with the persistent incidence of discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, race or ethnic origin, religion or belief, and sexual orientation or gender identity.
Key findings
- Recent EU-level surveys point to a reported increase in the incidence of workplace discrimination. In the period 2005–2015, the European Working Conditions survey shows an increase from 5% to 7% of workers reporting that they have been subjected to workplace discrimination.
- Age discrimination experienced by both younger and older workers tends to be the most prevalent form, but discrimination on the grounds of disability and unequal treatment based on race and ethnicity are also common, particularly in recruitment processes.
- The main challenges to be addressed to tackle workplace discrimination are: the persistence of stereotypes, low awareness of rights and obligations on the part of employers and workers, and inadequate enforcement of existing non-discrimination regulations.
- In most countries, tackling workplace discrimination is seen to be high on the agenda of the social partners. This is particularly true for age, disability and race discrimination. The issue of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity has been highlighted in recent years.
- Actions on the part of the social partners aimed at reducing workplace discrimination include influencing legislation and policymaking, monitoring workplace practices and supporting affected workers, drafting guidelines and reaching collective agreements on the issue
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