SPF co-chairs condemn racist abuse and harassment

Following reports from NHS organisations highlighting a troubling increase in abuse and harassment aimed at staff from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, Helga Pile and Danny Mortimer, the trade union and employer co-chairs of the national Social Partnership Forum (SPF), have responded with the following statement:

"In the context of the increasing racial hostility currently being witnessed in our communities and the rising levels of abuse and harassment experienced by NHS staff, we commit to working in partnership to stand against hatred and discrimination, and value and celebrate the rich diversity of our staff and the wider population.  

"Hard-working staff from the UK and across the world form the backbone of the NHS and their safety and wellbeing is essential to the running of the health service.  

"We encourage regional and local partnership forums to focus on how best to help and protect staff through this period, to provide a safe working environment for all.”