The Trades Union Congress is launching a learning campaign designed to stamp out racism.

An anti-racism booklet, aimed at trade union reps and activists, is at the heart of the campaign.

The booklet includes information outlining the business case for equality and diversity, and a checklist for reps fighting racism in the workplace.

Brendan Barber, TUC general secretary, said: “Racism in the labour market takes many forms, whether outright racist behaviour or the fact that unemployment is running twice as high for black and Asian workers as it is for their white counterparts. Unionlearn and the TUC are working with unions to defeat racism in London, the south east and the east of England, to ensure dignity and respect for all in the workplace.

“Through spreading a learning culture we are helping to undermine bigotry. Learning in the workplace will also help black and asian workers to increase their skills and improve their life chances.”