Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Recommendation 38
38
Not Addressed
Paragraph: 149
Systemic racism and racist bullying persist within the National Health Service.
Conclusion
We were horrified to hear clear evidence of racism within the NHS, with some staff subjected to racist bullying, harassment, and abuse from colleagues and patients. This behaviour is unacceptable anywhere, and we condemn it expressly here. Tackling racism is a recruitment and retention issue, and the NHS and Government must take it extremely seriously.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with these recommendations, and encourages Local Authorities to evaluate the risk of modern slavery in their adult social care supply chains.
Paragraph Reference:
149
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
We agree with these recommendations. We encourage Local Authorities to evaluate the risk of modern slavery in their adult social care supply chains and ensure that the risk of modern slavery is assessed, as per this report’s recommendation. We take any reports of unsafe and illegal employment practices in the social care sector very seriously. Any accusations of illegal practice will be fully investigated by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority. The Labour Market Enforcement bodies (Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate, Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, and HMRC’s National Minimum Wage Team) have an active programme of engagement with external partners, including those in the care sector, to help make sure workers know their rights and employers understand their obligations. This activity includes working with partners such as the Care Quality Commission, industry representative groups, unions and the Local Government Association (amongst others). This is an ongoing programme, examples of activity so far include webinars, and working directly with LA’s, alongside the development of publications to assist those working or operating within the care sector. Labour Market Enforcement bodies have an active programme of engagement with external partners including the Local Government Association and LAs.