The largest survey of Black British people has found that 98% of participants have had to compromise who they are or how they express themselves to fit in the workplace, including adapting hairstyles. Appearance and cultural background are cited as factors influencing lack of promotion or opportunities to develop at work.
The research was unveiled by the Black British Voices Research project, a collaboration between the University of Cambridge, the Voice newspaper, and I-Cubed Consultancy. They surveyed over 11,000 Black Brits across sixteen topics including Britishness, Identity and Racism.
Some 88% of participants also reported experiencing racial discrimination in the workplace. Efforts by employers to address racial discrimination at work were often experienced as superficial or even perceived to make matters worse.
BBVP Ambassador and co-author of My Little Black Book: A Blacktionary: The pocket guide to the language of race (Penguin Paperbacks) Dr Maggie Semple OBE comments: “The survey’s overwhelming response shows that Black British people want change in the workplace. Change for good, for them, their children and future generations. We can no longer overlook the lived realities of Black people in the UK and be non-committal in providing impactful long-term solutions. This is an opportunity to acknowledge our views and opinions, with the intent of creating a better future for us all.”
