Catherwood LibraryILR School

A report released Monday, originally commissioned by the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), found that sectarianism (discrimination based on religious sect) still exists in many Scottish workplaces. The study said that progress had been made towards reducing the discrimination against Catholics, but said that much sectarianism still exists 'disguised' as humor or light banter. The report recommended that employers create clear guidelines defining sectarianism vs. banter, create a safe environment where all employees feel comfortable, and do, report incidences of sectarianism, and that employers be required legally to monitor incidences of sectarian discrimination in the workplace. The report urged employers and unions to work together to create clear anti-discriminatory policies with clear penalties for incidents of sectarianism. The report cited a number of observed cases of discrimination, ranging from trivial 'banter' to property damage and potentially violent incidents.