​Bury Council and NHS Bury CCG pledge action against inequality

Two major initiatives that seek to address inequalities for BAME staff have been launched by Bury Council and NHS Bury Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

There have been continued protests across the world, and here in the UK, following the killing of George Floyd. A recent Public Health England report* has provided emerging evidence that black and minority ethnic (BAME) communities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. 

Now Bury Council and NHS Bury CCG have committed to an individual and proactive risk assessment for members of their workforces defined as vulnerable, including people from BAME communities.

And both organisations will launch an equalities review in partnership with BAME staff groups, seeking to drive change to ensure that the workforce - including at a senior level - comes to better reflect Bury’s diversity. Attracting more talent from wider communities is seen as a key part of future success for the borough.

Councillor Tahir Rafiq, cabinet member for corporate affairs and human resources, said: “I am delighted that the Bury partnership of Bury Council and NHS Bury Clinical Commissioning Group are committed to furthering equality between all parts of our diverse communities, our borough’s key strength, and improving outcomes for all. It is imperative we take further action in pursuit of this objective and I am proud to be leading on this in my cabinet role.

“It is important to protect our BAME communities and other vulnerable groups during the current pandemic and ensure that our organisations and culture is equality-proofed and provides the conditions for a diverse workforce and partnership to thrive.”

Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, leader of the council, re-iterated the council’s anti-racism stance: “The killing of George Floyd in America has shone a light, yet again, on the presence of racism and discrimination in our world. In Bury, we are proud of our diversity and celebrate our vibrant mix of race, culture and communities. We cannot become complacent about the threats to this.

“Racism and hate anywhere is a threat to peace and cohesion everywhere.

“Through the response to the coronavirus we have seen the best of our communities working together. We must be equally united in tackling racism and inequality.”

ENDS

Issued: 10 June 2020.

*Report published on June 2