QUOTAS CRUSADER: Singh of CRE

Positive discrimination is the new buzz in politically correct circles in the UK as a study shows that Asians and blacks are just not figuring enough in managerial positions in British companies. And it is not due to a lack of talent. As a result, there is a rising demand that quota systems be introduced for a more equitable representation of ethnic minorities on the corporate ladder.

Private firms may face new anti-discrimination legislation unless they start employing more Asians and blacks in management, warned Gurubux Singh, chairman, Commission of Racial Equality(CRE). Accusing the firms of complacency, he said: "If private companies do not deal with this issue, there will inevitably be a clamour for legislation."

According to a report by Runnymede Trust, it is five times harder for an Asian or a black graduate in Britain to find a managerial job than it is for a white graduate. Just one per cent of senior managers in FTSE 100 (Financial Times Sensex) companies are from an ethnic minority. The report states: " ... particularly for the more competitive posts, individuals from black and Asian communities have to be not just as good as but better than their competitors in order to get the job."

The CRE warning comes in the wake of a poll to mark its 25th anniversary, which shows that many Britons believe race relations have deteriorated. Two years ago, the Runnymede Trust had released a report Moving on Up?, which brought to light race and ethnic disparity in the workplace, more so in FTSE 100 companies. Either through lack of awareness, by stereotyping or outright discrimination, companies are wasting the talent available to them, the report said. Some of the firms later indicated that they were ready to take steps to look for answers, but 18 months hence no clear progress has been made. In fact, recent findings indicate that race has once again slipped from the corporate agenda.

However, Britons have always campaigned against a quota system and any move for legislation would appear to be controversial. Says a CRE spokesperson: "Legislation may be counter-productive as it could fuel animosity towards the minority community. The CRE does not advocate positive discrimination." For good race relations and cordial feelings, more emphasis should be put on positive action rather than positive discrimination, she believes.

Some Asians are also not in favour of the quota system. Young professional Satish Ray says, "If a quota system is introduced, people would say we got the job because of the quota and not talent."

Vikas Pota of Labour Friends of India, too is against such a move. "Who would like to get a job because of their colour?" he asks.

College student Rishi Mathur, however, feels that such a system would be beneficial. "My brother did law because he wanted to practice corporate law, but he had to go into criminal law as it is very difficult for Asians to get into corporate law," he says.

Singh argues that companies should view fair employment practices as a competitive advantage, not as an annoying piece of political correctness. The introduction of staff quota would bring industry in line with public-sector employers who will soon come under greater scrutiny of CRE.