The TUC has warned that black and Asian people are still facing racism when seeking work.

Publishing a new report, the trade union body said that unemployment amongst some ethnic minorities is two-and-a-half times that experienced by their white counterparts.

Those worst affected included Bangladeshis - one in five of whom are unemployed.

The study warns that Black and Asian workers are lagging behind as the government reduces joblessness - and calls for urgent action from ministers.

"To begin to reverse this trend the government's New Deal, welfare-to-work strategy, must become even more effective," said TUC chief Brendan Barber.

"Unions give a high priority to equality at work and we are working in partnership with many employers and the government to establish fairness.

"But racism is still rife in too many of Britain's workplaces."

The report was launched at a special black workers' conference in Torquay.