The CIPD has joined more than 40 business organisations in signing an open letter standing firmly against antisemitism, following a government-led roundtable on tackling racism and fostering safer, more inclusive workplaces.
Last week, CIPD chief executive Peter Cheese took part in a roundtable event bringing together government, business leaders and Jewish community representatives to discuss tackling antisemitism in the workplace.
The event, which took place on 13 May, was a direct response to a recent string of attacks on Jewish people, synagogues and other Jewish sites in the UK.
Led by the Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, it explored the steps employers can take to stamp out racism and how people of any and no faith can challenge antisemitism at work as part of inclusion and respect for all.
The discussion culminated in an open letter, signed by over 40 business leaders – including the CIPD, British Chambers of Commerce, British Retail Consortium Confederation of British Industry, Institute of Directors, Make UK and the Recruitment and Employment Confederation – standing firmly against antisemitism.
It made clear that antisemitism is racism, that it has no place in our society or our workplaces and that it has reached ‘a level that requires specific attention’.
Businesses have an important role to play in fostering safe, inclusive environments for everyone. The events of recent weeks remind us all that antisemitism is a serious societal, and therefore workplace issue, impacting employee relations and people’s sense of safety at work.
Employers have a responsibility to take a zero-tolerance approach to any incidents of hatred or abuse at work. Furthermore, the roundtable and open letter confirm that employers need to be proactive, recognising antisemitism primarily as a form of racism and helping people recognise how it can manifest in society and in workplaces.
We are proud to have put our name to this letter and to stand alongside other organisations in making this commitment. We encourage the people profession to join us and be clear on their policies, training and processes in addressing racism, to show support for the groups that are impacted by it, and to build awareness and recognition across their organisations.
As with any sensitive subject impacting people, initiatives should be led by sound principles, be evidence based, and with clear understanding of business importance and impact on individuals.
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