You may remember that I wrote about reported racial harassment in the United States reaching record levels. I hypothesized that in sinking economic times, we often try to blame someone (anyone other than ourselves, really).

Along the same lines, a recent survey says that discriminatory slurs in Britain have doubled in use. The survey results show not just a rise in ethnic slurs and those based on nationality, but also a rise in slurs based on age and sexual orientation. Again, I wonder if this is in some way a measure of a sinking British economy.

Look at these figures from a recent survey of British employees:

· 84% of employees have overheard racial comments and discriminatory remarks towards fellow workers. [compared to 2003- 46%]

· 28% of employees have overheard ethnic slurs, relating to an individual’s ethnic background. [compared to 2003- 16%]

· 15% of employees have overheard age related ridicule. [compared to 2003- 7%]

· 18% of workers overheard jabs aimed at sexual orientation. [compared to 2003- 11%]

· 23% of workers overheard ridicule and jokes based on nationality (for example Irishman, Englishman and Scotsman jokes). [compared to 2003- 12%]

· 74% of workers admit to harmlessly making sexual or discriminatory remarks against minorities. [compared to 2003- 69%]