Is caste discrimination a problem in UK workplace?

Discrimination based on caste – noted by the BBC as the historic social standing in Sikh and Hindu societies – may be a problem in the UK workplace, it has been alleged.

The news corporation reports that Baroness Thornton has ordered additional research to be carried out into the problem following her claims that evidence of such discrimination exists.

However, ministers had previously claimed there was no issue with caste in the country.

The National Institute of Economic and Social Research will conduct the research, with Baroness Thornton stating: "The proportionate thing is to take the power to deal with that discrimination if and when that evidence is produced."

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Previous claims have been recorded by Hindu campaigners that even in second generation Indian communities in the UK, members perceived as being from a lower caste have suffered discrimination, the article continues.

Keith Porteous Wood, executive director of the National Secular Society, stated the issue has spread to the UK "virtually unnoticed".

Acceding to UNICEF, caste is believed to affect hundreds of millions of people across the globe.

Posted by Cameron Thomson