Turn Flash off

PATH National logo

What is "Positive Action"?

Positive Action can be described as,"measures to overcome the effects of past discrimination and achieve equality of opportunity for people from black or other minority ethnic groups". Positive Action refers to measures that enable people from black or other minority ethnic groups to compete on equal terms for jobs, career development and training, in parts of the labour force where they are under-represented.

Positive Action measures are provided for under the Race Relations Act 1976. These include measures to encourage members of particular 'racial groups' (as the Act puts it) to apply for specific work where they are under-represented, or for the provision of training exclusively for particular racial groups (see below). Positive Action also includes other measures that represent good practice in terms of equal opportunities in employment and personnel practice in general. For example, the use of appropriate recruitment channels in advertising, 'ethnic' monitoring in recruitment and selection, or equal opportunities training for those involved in recruitment and selection or staff appraisal.

The Race Relations Act 1976 provides for positive action where particular racial groups are under-represented and to meet special needs.

Learn more...

Download our pdf on Positive Action (86kb).


Traineeships in more detail...


  Back up to Traineeships        Re-read this page       Your feedback