One in six vets have witnessed discrimination in the workplace
"These results paint a disturbing picture of the scale of discrimination among veterinary professionals.
New statistics from the BVA have revealed that 15 per cent of veterinary surgeons and veterinary students have personally experienced discrimination in the workplace in the past year.
The statistics also revealed that 21 per cent of respondents had witnessed discrimination in the workplace, with senior colleagues being responsible for the discrimination in 48 per cent of incidents.
Despite these figures suggesting that one in six veterinary surgeons and veterinary students have witnessed or experienced discrimination in the workplace over the last 12 months, the BVA's Voice of the Veterinary Profession 2021 spring survey discovered that only 53 per cent of the profession said that they feel concerned about discrimination.
In comparison, of those who personally experienced discrimination, 86 per cent were concerned.
In light of these results, the BVA is highlighting the necessity of veterinary workplaces being inclusive and supportive for all veterinary professionals. BVA junior vice president Malcolm Morley said: “It is clear from our report that we must all do more to eradicate discrimination from our workplaces.
“It is deeply disappointing to see that there has been no improvement over the last two years and clearly unacceptable that so many members of the veterinary team continue to experience discrimination, particularly from members of our own profession.
“These conversations may be uncomfortable for the profession, but we cannot shy away from them. Whether we have personally experienced or witnessed discrimination or not we all have a duty to ensure the veterinary team is a safe and supportive environment for everyone.
“It’s encouraging to see a clear link between supportive working environments and lower levels of discrimination, and these workplaces also appear to address discrimination incidents better when they do occur. It’s incumbent on all of us to work towards improving conditions across the board and making sure all veterinary professionals can feel supported and positive about their working environment.
“BVA will continue to play our part in the Big Conversation and I encourage every veterinary professional to reflect on what role they can play to improve equality and inclusion for the whole team.”
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
