Alarming Survey Exposes Widespread Racial Abuse at Major London NHS Trust
A deeply concerning staff survey has revealed that nearly one in four employees at hospitals within the Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) have experienced racial abuse. The 2025 survey, conducted by the trust itself, found that 24 per cent of its workforce reported facing discrimination based on race.
A Trust of Diverse Backgrounds Confronts Systemic Issues
BHRUT is recognized as one of the most ethnically diverse NHS trusts in the entire country, with its 8,400-strong workforce representing an astonishing 146 different nationalities. Despite this diversity, the survey indicates a pervasive problem of racial discrimination within its hospitals.
The issue is not merely theoretical. In a landmark 2023 employment tribunal case, two laboratory employees were found to have been directly discriminated against on racial grounds. The tribunal awarded them combined compensation exceeding £120,000, highlighting the severe and tangible consequences of such discrimination.
Leadership Acknowledges an 'Unacceptable' Situation
In a recent update to stakeholders, BHRUT Chief Executive Matthew Trainer condemned the findings as "unacceptable." He emphasized that the trust's leadership views this as a critical issue that must be addressed for both staff wellbeing and the effective functioning of the hospitals.
Demonstrating a commitment to action, the trust signed UNISON's 'anti-racism charter' in late January 2026. This charter outlines a comprehensive series of pledges designed to combat workplace discrimination.
Concrete Steps Outlined in New Anti-Racism Charter
The charter commits the trust to several key actions:
- Establishing a dedicated platform for staff to report incidents of racism confidentially.
- Conducting thorough investigations into any potential wage gaps that may be based on race.
- Implementing mandatory "unconscious bias and anti-racism training" for all members of staff, from frontline workers to senior management.
Following the signing, Chief Executive Trainer stated, "We'll follow that through by taking actions that allow us to demonstrate... that we take anti-racism seriously and we'll ensure the actions we're taking are having a measurable impact."
Political Support for the Trust's Pledge
The move has garnered support from local representatives. Margaret Mullane, the Labour MP for Dagenham and Rainham, praised the initiative, stating it sends a "strong statement to all your staff, that you've listened, you're aware of it and working with them."
She added, "It isn't just a launch and a piece of paper, it's an action and you all seem very engaged which I think is fantastic." Her comments underscore the importance of translating the charter's promises into sustained, effective action to create a truly inclusive and respectful environment for all NHS staff.
