In May 2020 it was reported that hate crime directed at south and east Asian communities increased by 21% during the Coronavirus crisis, with shocking examples of offences including harassment and assault, such as punching, spitting and coughing, and verbal abuse.
Race hate crimes are defined by ACAS as: “acts of violence or hostility against people because of their race” and are both illegal in criminal law, and are also an example of discrimination under the Equality Act 2010, which can amount to gross misconduct. As such, employers have a responsibility to take all reasonable steps to protect their employees.
Find out what steps employers can take here: https://viewhr.co.uk/responding-to-coronavirus-related-racism-in-the-workplace/