UCU: Campaigning against the far-right

Motion

Motion text: Congress notes:
1. Racism creates psychological harm (stress, anxiety, trauma) resulting in physical manifestation with long term impacts
2. Rising Far-right activity increases risk of harassment, intimidation, and violence.
3. Employers and institutions have a legal duty of care under health and safety legislation.
4. A hostile environment impacts employee wellbeing, productivity, and physical safety.
5. Ignoring racist behaviour exposes organisations to liability and safeguarding failures.
Congress resolves to campaign for the Health and Safety Executive to:
a. Recognise racist and extremist conduct as a reportable workplace hazard;
b. Issue formal guidance requiring risk assessments addressing racial hostility and extremist activity;
c. Clarify employers’ legal duty of care regarding racist harm under health and safety legislation;
d. Develop enforcement mechanisms where employers fail to mitigate such risks.