Black and ethnic minority staff at greater risk of Covid exposure than white employees, union says

Health risks and lack of financial support adding to ‘hostile environment’ at work, claims the TUC. Adam Forrest reports

Transport for London (TfL) (EPA)

Black and ethnic minority staff are more likely to be exposed to the coronavirus at work than white workers – and are thus more likely to lose out on pay while self-isolating, a new study suggests.

More than one third of black and ethnic minority employees in the UK have self-isolated this year compared to only one quarter of white employees, according to a survey commissioned by the Trade Unions Congress (TUC).

Union leaders said the research added to the mounting evidence that black and ethnic minority workers are facing both greater health risks and greater financial hardship during the pandemic.