Race includes colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origins.
Legal responsibility for unlawful racial discrimination rests with employers. Discriminatory acts or conduct by workers or agents (for example, contractors) ‘in the course of their employment’ are treated as having been done by their employer, unless the employer can show they have taken all reasonably practicable steps to prevent such acts. Employers may be held liable whether or not those acts were done with their knowledge or approval. An employer’s liability for racial discrimination may extend to a worker’s behaviour when ‘off duty’, but in a work related situation, for example a Christmas party.
To download a PDF detailing examples of when race discrimination may have occurred click here.
The information contained on this page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. It states the law as of December 2014. We recommend that specific professional advice is obtained on any particular matter. We do not accept responsibility for any loss arising as a result of the use of the information contained in this page.
