Ethnicity
In 2001, 7.9 per cent of the total population of the UK were from minority ethnic backgrounds. Such individuals tend to be disproportionately disadvantaged by social and economic deprivation including discrimination. Discrimination on the grounds of ethnicity has long been of concern to both individuals and organisations. The Race Relations Act 1976 makes discrimination on grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin unlawful in education, training, employment, the provision of goods, facilities and services and the disposal and management of property. This includes subjecting a person to harassment or victimisation.
The Race Relations Act was amended in 2000 to prohibit discrimination in a number of public functions, and place a new duty on public authorities to promote racial equality.
- Find out more about the legislation in Great Britain
- Find out more about the legislation in Northern Ireland
To mark October 2008's Black History Month the BMA has chronicled the experiences of a number of black and minority ethnic (BME) doctors working within the NHS.
A celebration of black and minority ethnic doctors
A paper based on the results of consultation, which aims to outline the BMA consultants committee's policy in relation to racism.
Tackling racism in medical careers: The role of consultants
A survey of UK trained doctors to explore the nature of racism in the medical profession and to consider remedial strategies.
Racism in the medical profession: the experience of UK graduatesEthnicity links
Links to sources of further information related to ethnicity