Racism and sexism in the workplace remain huge problems for women from ethnic minorities, according to new research.

On Wednesday academics were presenting the findings of a study of ethnic minority women in trade unions at a national conference.

They say of the 55 women who were interviewed, almost all reported encountering sexism or racism at work.

One of the study's authors, Professor Harriet Bradley of Bristol University, said: "We heard some shocking stories, including one from a woman who had to hide in the toilets at break time to escape harassment.

We had a woman with a PhD working on cash tills in a supermarket

Professor Harriet Bradley

"We heard others from women who were bullied by managers desperate to achieve their business targets."

The women interviewed were based across the UK and were active in the CWU (Communication Workers' Union), NATFHE (the lecturers' union), Unison (the public sector union) and Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers).

Professor Bradley said the study found racism was experienced from managers, co-workers and customers.

She said some women had been involved in serious incidents such as assaults and very bad abuse.

'Disturbing stories'

Some told stories of pornography being left in a woman's locker.

Lack of promotion was also a problem, according to the study.

Professor Bradley said: "These women - many of whom are highly qualified - were not able to get up to a certain level.

"We had a woman with a PhD working on cash tills in a supermarket."

Co-author Geraldine Healy of the Hertfordshire University, said: "While racism appears to exist everywhere, some of the most disturbing stories came from outside London.

"Beyond the multicultural capital, black women may find themselves more isolated and vulnerable."

The study offers a series of recommendations to rectify the situation.

Ideas put forward include mentoring schemes and special courses.

The report was launched on Wednesday at a conference at the University of Bristol.