Forties People

The report found that within the West London area – which covers the boroughs of Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon and Hounslow, - ethnic background was becoming less of a barrier to employment or training. There were comparatively low levels of discrimination against women and measures taken to reduce discrimination against 19-24 year olds had proved successful. There was evidence that ‘ageism’ was less of a difficulty for the over 50s although the problem persisted and needs to be addressed.

The researchers found the greatest problems in terms of workplace discrimination were those impacting disabled people (38% of whom felt they had been discriminated against when applying for a job), asylum seekers and refugees.

Peter Pledger, Executive Director of London West LSC, commented on the report, “While it is worrying to see that particular groups of people feel they are being discriminated against in the workplace, it is encouraging to note that in many traditional areas of employment discrimination is reducing significantly…We are also encouraged by the desire expressed by both employers and individuals for more information and promotion of the benefits of employing a diverse workforce. These findings will help us in targeting resources into training, skills development and employer support”