Tackling antisemitism in the workplace: A response to new review 

Tackling antisemitism in the workplace: A response to new review 

The findings of the Government-backed review into antisemitism – commissioned by the Board of Deputies and co-authored by Lord John Mann and Dame Penny Mordaunt – confirm the reality that many Jewish employees and business owners face in the UK today. 

Among its most disturbing findings is that Jewish people are facing “extreme, personalised and sometimes life-changing” discrimination simply for being Jewish – and that this prejudice is present across every sector of society, including in the workplace. 

Jewish professionals told the Commission they felt excluded or actively discriminated against by their own trade unions and professional bodies, while others shared how antisemitism from colleagues was swept under the carpet, particularly in sectors like the NHS and the arts. 

These findings echo those of our own recent survey – conducted in partnership with the JLC and Board of Deputies – which found that nearly two-thirds of Jewish employees have encountered antisemitism in the workplace. 

This new review makes two specific recommendations to tackle anti-Jewish hatred in work and business that Work Avenue fully supports. 

These are the creation of an Antisemitism Training Qualification for employers, and the mandatory inclusion of antisemitism in workplace EDI (equality, diversity, inclusion) programmes. 

Our CEO Debbie Lebrett said: “No one should feel unsafe, excluded or silenced in the workplace because of their Jewish identity. We welcome both this report and its recommendations. 

“We’re committed to ensuring that all those in our community can thrive at work and in business, and that employers – both in the public and private sectors – have the tools and guidance to support them.” 

If you are experiencing antisemitism at work, or want guidance on building a safer and more inclusive workplace, please contact us. All conversations are held in the strictest confidence.