HC Deb 28 February 1978 vol 945 cc160-1W
37. Mr. Bidwell

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what subjects have been discussed to date by the Race Relations Employment Advisory Group.

Mr. John Grant

The Race Relations Employment Advisory Group provides a high level forum under my chairmanship which seeks to improve co-ordination between organisations and groups which are significantly involved in the promotion of good race relations in employment. Membership comprises senior representatives from employers and trade unions, the main agencies concerned with employment, the Commission for Racial Equality, the local authorities and representatives of the ethnic minorities.

The group has now held two meetings. At the first meeting in October 1977, it examined a paper on "Racial Disadvantage in Employment" which had been been prepared by the Department of Employment for consideration by the Home Secretary's Standing Advisory Council on Race Relations. At that meeting the group decided to concentrate its attention on finding practical solutions to specific problems which arise in multiracial employment situations.

At the second meeting in February 1978, the group discussed the future development of industrial language training, the difficulties encountered by employers and employees in meeting the requirements of Muslim religious observance, the guidelines which are being prepared by the Commission for Racial Equality on equal opportunity in employment.