New colleague making racist comments

[ArseholesOnToast]

We have a new colleague who’s in their second week in the job. We work different days so I haven’t seen much of them since they started.

On their second day they made a racist comment when it was just the two of us making general chit chat like you do when you’re getting to know a new colleague. TBH I was pretty shocked and just cut the conversation. Nobody else heard this.

The new colleague is very religious, talks expansively about their faith which is not very common in the uk. Their religion prohibits certain foods and if anyone has or mentions a food the new colleague doesn’t eat then there’s lots of urgh disgusting comments.

Today we had a seminar event and new colleague sat next to me and made some very ignorant comments about ‘foreigners’ and then expanded with some islamophobic comments. I said that I didn’t want to talk to them. They smirked. The event started and we were put into different groups. Again nobody else heard these comments.

I am being tasked with providing some training for the new colleague and I really don’t want to spend any time with them as their behaviour makes me feel very uncomfortable and also angry.

New colleague came from another department and had a bad reputation as a trouble maker who likes to get people into trouble. I had an open mind about them but really don’t want to listen to their bigotry.

I am not sure what to do as nobody else heard these comments and HR and management are notoriously dire in dealing with issues. I suppose it’s their word against mine.

Does anyone have any advice on this?

I would inform HR.

I would also inform HR and my line manager in writing that I was uncomfortable providing training to this person.

Agree with the above, but also if you're in a union speak to your rep so you've got some practical and emotional support.

Inform HR !

What a horrible situation to be in. I agree, you need to log concerns with your HR and Manager. Whenever your colleague says something you find offensive can you calmly say so ' I'm sorry I find that comment offensive and I would be gratuful if you would desist' or something similar? Polite but firm, be clear you don't find it acceptable behaviour.

I'll bet other colleagues are finding the same but don't feel they can say either.

Changing the conversation doesn’t work with these people. They think they’ve intimidated you and then carry on saying even worse things.

“Keep your unpleasant and ignorant thoughts to yourself”. Is one phrase I would use.

Agree that you should say something - to HR & your line manager, followed up in writing and a copy of the letter / email kept. I'd explain what you're uncomfortable with and that the comments were made when none of your colleagues could overhear. I would also keep a log of what was said and when just in case it's needed. Good luck, it's not easy but you shouldn't be made to feel uncomfortable at work.

Report verbally...

Record them, write down the racist statements with times and dates, and take the written notes to HR. At this stage, don't disclose the existence of the recordings. If HR screw it up, and the colleague makes your position impossible, take proper legal advice. After Vaughan v. London Borough of Lewisham, surreptitious recordings are admissible, but if it's gone that far...

Thanks all.

I’ll speak to HR about it and keep my own records.

So annoyed that I’m feeling uncomfortable and awkward yet I’ve done nothing wrong and they’re the one smirking.