More than 25% of UK workers say they have experienced workplace discrimination, survey claims

'There's a new glass ceiling and it has remained unseen, but it seems Generation Z have better eyesight - they can see it and they want to smash it'

Study claims that under 25s are twice as likely to believe employers should do more to promote inclusion than over 55s (Getty)

More than a quarter of British workers say they have experienced discrimination in the workplace, according to new research.

The study, commissioned by Sky to mark National Inclusion Week, found prejudice towards gender, race and age is still commonplace in UK businesses, but a youth-driven revolution could be underway to counter it.

Generation Z (under-25s) are twice as likely to believe employers should do more to promote inclusion than baby boomers (over-55s).

And they are twice as likely to question the status quo on equal opportunities too, according to the study.

Half of Generation Z believe their employer should do more to promote and instil inclusion in the workplace, compared with just a quarter of those over 55.

Nearly three-quarters of the survey's respondents at the start of their career said they feel comfortable taking up policies such as flexitime, carer’s leave, religious leave or support for a disability offered by their employer.

However, one in three of the workers surveyed who are nearing retirement age said they would be uncomfortable doing so.

Debbie Klein, group chief marketing and corporate affairs officer at Sky, said: “There's a new glass ceiling and it has remained unseen, but it seems Generation Z have better eyesight - they can see it, and they want to smash it.

“Employers have a duty to ensure their workplace fosters total inclusion, so it’s positive to find the newest members of today’s workforce are challenging barriers and committed to holding employers accountable.”

According to the survey, one in five under-25s also claim being a woman negatively affects the chances of securing a job or promotion - double the amount of over-55s.

Generation Z identified multiple groups negatively impacted by an unequal workplace.

One in five state being from a black, Asian or minority background reduces the chances of getting a job or promotion, compared to one in 10 workers over 55.

Half of Generation Z also believe having a disability negatively affects your career prospects, compared to a quarter of baby boomers.

Ms Klein added: “These results are shocking. It is time to take a hammer to the glass ceiling.

“At Sky we believe great talent is as diverse as our customer base, which is why driving inclusion is at the heart of our business.

“We want to encourage other businesses to see that the best employees are those who can bring all of themselves to work.

''National Inclusion Week is an opportunity for employers to focus on this issue.

“It isn’t just about stopping discrimination – we also have to actively promote inclusion.”

SWNS