Discrimination at work

rdisc

This matter relates to what I believe is a racial discrimination case I am currently going through at work.

I am very unhappy regarding an application to receive training at my place of work. I have been trying to get a particular course for the past 3 years. I recently moved departments and was made aware of 2 others being given the course recently. I was also made aware an allocation of courses had been given for managers to ask people if they would like to partake. I was not made aware of this possibility. I therefore emailed my managers and basically got fobbed off. I since found a form from a colleague who was given this course, without an application process and just after I asked local managers how to apply. I raised this with a senior manager and was referred back to local management. Local management told me I hadn't used the correct procedure, even though my original email to managers was a request to know how to apply.

I have since gone through the official process on a computer HR system and been told I need to have this approved by local management (who originally told me I need to go through the official way and request it via computer HR).

I have since found out one of the managers has been going round the office asking people what I am like.

The two people who originally got the course, along with the person who got the course after I questioned how are a different race to me.

Sorry a bit long winded but I'm really not happy with this and would be grateful of any thoughts.

DUTR

It's a bit cheap throwing that card, I can understand your frustration, however I see no evidence in your post how creed comes into it, at the moment it is just coincidence.

rdisc

It may appear coincidence to you but I don't interpret it in that way. Especially when I get obstacles in my way others don't. How is that just coincidence?

tomtontom

If your application is turned down then ask for their reasons. Until then you have nothing to indicate this relates to your race. Perhaps they feel the others have more potential than you?

Browntoa

Are you a union member ?

Small or large company ?

rdisc

This is in essence the problem. My email to local managers asked about the application process. I was originally told the process would be explained when courses came out. I was then referred to another manager. This manager then referred me to a HR rep. I then noticed a colleague had been given a course. I questioned this and was told I hadn't applied the correct way by using the HR system. Having done this I was refused by the HR rep. because I hadn't been given approval by local managers. The reasons for the application being turned down by HR was due to the course not being essential for my job description and if one was available it hadn't been approved by local management. Therefore, how did my colleague, who is in exactly the same role have his application for the course approved?

Thanks for the reply

rdisc

Large company.

wiogs

rdisc wrote: »

This is in essence the problem. My email to local managers asked about the application process. I was originally told the process would be explained when courses came out. I was then referred to another manager. This manager then referred me to a HR rep. I then noticed a colleague had been given a course. I questioned this and was told I hadn't applied the correct way by using the HR system. Having done this I was refused by the HR rep. because I hadn't been given approval by local managers. The reasons for the application being turned down by HR was due to the course not being essential for my job description and if one was available it hadn't been approved by local management. Therefore, how did my colleague, who is in exactly the same role have his application for the course approved?

Thanks for the reply

Ask you rmanager and HR and see what reason they give

rdisc

My manager has said he doesn't know how to apply for a course and wasn't aware my colleague had gotten the course.

tomtontom

rdisc wrote: »

My manager has said he doesn't know how to apply for a course and wasn't aware my colleague had gotten the course.

So it sounds like your manager is a little inept - that doesn't mean you have been discriminated against.

meer53

If you feel there has been discrimination against you, you should let your manager know. They should then follow their correct procedures. All large companies have procedures in place for things like this.

However, if it was me, i would just reapply for the course in the correct way and wait to see what happens. Crying racial discrimination just because you didn't get on a course sounds like sour grapes. If you have a genuine case then your manager will sort it out.