Further and Higher Education establishments will be among the public bodies required to monitor the recruitment and progress of staff by racial group under new race laws coming into effect this year, Angela Eagle Race Relations Minister said today.

Speaking about the implementation of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 at the 'Race Equality for Black Staff in Further Education' conference in Birmingham, Angela Eagle said, "We are committed to building a successful multi- cultural society where everyone, regardless of race or religion, has the same opportunities. Schools, colleges and universities are our places of learning; we need to make sure they are free from racial discrimination for both students and staff. The Commission's report, published today, sadly reveals that this has not always been the case in Further Education colleges.

"The new Act imposes a general duty on listed public bodies, including FE colleges, to promote race equality. Our public services are now in the forefront of the drive for race equality and have the opportunity to lead by example.

"And once we have introduced the specific duties, such as the monitoring of recruitment and progress of staff by reference to racial group, we will root out any lingering direct or indirect racial discrimination from our FE and HE colleges."