Firms in Bradford have defended their record of taking on workers from ethnic minorities after a suffering a broadside from the city's main race watchdog.

In its annual report, Bradford Racial Equality Council criticised local employers, highlighting the upcoming rise in the proportion of black and Asian people in Bradford's workforce which will reach 20 per cent by the year 2011 from 13 per cent at present. Over the same period the white labour force will decline by 7.3 per cent.

The REC is concerned about the lack of opportunities particularly for young Asians from the inner city districts of Toller, Little Horton, University and Bradford Moor.

A Grattan spokesman said 12 per cent of its 5,000 strong workforce were drawn from the ethnic minorities while a spokesman for Morrisons said more than 15 per cent of its 2,000 Bradford workers were Asians.

Charles Forgan, chief executive of Bradford Breakthrough which represents 25 major local employers, said: "I have read the report and circulated parts of it to our member organisations.

"I have no comment other than dismay. It seems we are all in the doghouse. It seems to be a very divisive report."

He added that the report made no mention of the city's success in winning Single Regeneration Budget cash and Health Action Zone status - even though both hard-fought gains would greatly benefit the ethnic minority communities.

Sandy Needham, director of the Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said she was planning to meet officials from the REC.

"No-one would argue there is no racism, but our feeling is that companies are paying attention to developing good employment practices because it makes good business sense," she added.

A Grattan spokesman said: "We are committed to supporting the local community on this issue - working in conjunction with the chamber of commerce and Bradford TEC we produce an equal opportunities guidance pack aimed at providing support to businesses small and large in the Bradford area."

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