Racism is continuing to hold back the careers of many black workers, a TUC report has warned.

The study, published on Friday, found that black workers at every level of working life get less training opportunities, despite often being better qualified than their white counterparts.

It shows that 28 per cent of workers from ethnic minorities are graduates, compared to just 20 per cent of white workers.

But only 17 per cent of white graduates have never been offered training, compared to 20 per cent of black workers.

"Racism at work is still preventing too many black workers from fulfilling their potential," said Brendan Barber, TUC general secretary.

"We need new legislation that will force all employers to give equal access to training for all workers.

"The TUC is campaigning to extend Britain's race relations law to make all workplaces respond positively to the training needs of black workers."

According to the report, workplaces with trade union recognition or in the public sector offer improved access to training.

However, certain ethnic groups, in particular Pakistani and Bangladeshi employees, face "real barriers" to training opportunities.

Some 39 per cent of Pakistani employees and 47 per cent of Bangladeshi employees have never been offered training.