Sexism remains rife in the workplace

09.06.08

The advice follows new research by the firm which showed nearly three quarters of female employees have experienced negative bias in the workplace despite the rising number of record payouts at tribunals in recent years.

According to the report, 86% female workers feel that favouritism towards men is still rife in the workplace. Furthermore, 74% of those polled claimed to have experienced discrimination first hand while at work.

It is down to companies to ensure that there are policies in place to promote equality at work said Peter Done, managing director of Peninsula. “Employers need to ensure they have an equal opportunities policy in place and that it is communicated to all staff and management,” he said.

For those companies who fail to do so, the consequences could prove costly. “Tribunal cases for sexual discrimination see record awards being given and it’s not just the financial penalties imposed but the reputation of both the employer and the firm in hand,” warned Done.

Done urged female workers who felt they were being discriminated against to talk to their employer in the first instance.

© Crimson Business Ltd.