Q Why do I need a racial equality policy? I don't intend to discriminate.

A Whether you intend to discriminate or not, there are good reasons why you should have a policy:

  • Because having a policy confirms your intention not to discriminate;


  • In case a job applicant accuses you of discrimination and you need to prove to an employment tribunal that you have policies in place that are designed to prevent such discrimination from occurring;


  • Because you cannot be sure that everyone who works for you will be equally diligent in not discriminating or be able to know what to do, without there being some form of written guidance;


  • Because having a written policy will enable you to be in a better position to tender for work from those referrers and clients who require that you have such a policy;


  • To give those staff who work for you and who might be concerned about the problems of discrimination the security of knowing that as an employer you take these issues seriously.






    • Q An employee is always telling jokes, some of which are racist. No one has complained as yet. Do I have to do something about it?


    A Yes, you must deal with the situation before it becomes a problem. Racist jokes can amount to racial harassment, and as an employer you could be held to be liable for the actions of that employee if offence were to be caused. You should also bear in mind that offence might be caused to someone from an ethnic group other than the one that is the subject of the jokes. For a free copy of the Law Society's 'Delivering diversity' CD, e-mail a name and address to diversity.enquiries@ lawsociety.org.uk.




    Question of ethics is compiled by the Law Society's professional ethics guidance team