Estate agents exclude foreign workers

Estate agents are flouting race relations laws by discriminating against migrant workers, a BBC undercover investigation has found.

Firms in Lincolnshire, were found using illegal techniques to stop foreign workers viewing properties. Three agents rejected a Polish worker sent by the BBC, while a BBC employee was allowed to view the properties.

One firm denied it discriminated in this way, while another said it had created a new race-relations policy.

There is no suggestion that the agents themselves are racist, but the behaviour uncovered has been described by human rights lawyers as a "disturbing and shocking" breach of the Race Relations Act of 1976 - which applies to England, Scotland and Wales.

This act outlaws discrimination on the basis of race, religion, colour, religious beliefs, national or ethnic origins.

The BBC report with video is available here.

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Estate agents exclude foreign workers