Antisemitism at work

Have you experienced antisemitism in the workplace?

You can experience discrimination or hate as a consequence of your Jewish identity both due to your religion, and your ethnicity. This is defined by The Equality Act 2010. There are various definitions of antisemitism, however the most commonly used by UK institutions is the Working Definition of Antisemitism from The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).

Antisemitism by registered healthcare professionals

Registered healthcare professionals such as midwives, have a responsibility to comply with standards and be ‘Fit to Practice’ via their respective regulator. Codes of conduct include compliance on cultural competency, bullying, harassment and racism. These standards are laid out in documents such as via The Nursing and Midwifery Council The Code The General Medical Council Standards of Care and Practice.


Antisemitism from non-registered birth workers

If you experience antisemitism or witness this from a birth worker such as a doula or lactation consultant, they will be registered with a body who have codes of conduct, such as Doula UK or the International Lactation Consultant Association.


Support from Jewish organisations

You can report an incident of antisemitism to the Community Safety Trust via their online form.

You can point any employer or organisation to the Employer’s Guide to Judaism produced by The Board of Deputies of British Jews, which has good advice for employers on accommodating observance of Shabbat and Jewish festivals.

You can raise a concern about the behaviour and professionalism of any registered healthcare worker directly with their regulator. The Jewish Medical Association have a guide to referral to regulators here and can support you in this process.

Steps to take if you experience antisemitism in the workplace:

  1. Keep an account of any verbal, written or online antisemitic behaviour, with dates, times and screenshots if applicable.

  2. Escalate your concerns to your manager or a senior member of staff.

  3. Make a complaint via the appropriate grievance procedure – if you are employed by the NHS you can raise a concern via the Freedom to Speak Up. 

  4. Seek support from your local union representative or any professional organisation you are a member of.

  5. Raise a concern about the behaviour and professionalism of any registered healthcare worker directly with their regulator. The Jewish Medical Association have a guide to referral to regulators and can support you in this process.

  6. If you or others think the behaviour is criminal you can report straight to your local police force by calling 101, or using an online form.