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What are employment equity barriers?

Employment equity barriers are obstacles that prevent or hinder the achievement of employment equity within an organisation. These barriers can be systemic, procedural, or cultural, often preventing individuals from designated groups from accessing equal employment opportunities or advancing within the organisation.

For instance, ACME, a hypothetical company, might find that despite having a policy of equal opportunity, there are still significant disparities in the representation of designated groups within their workforce. Upon investigation, they might identify several employment equity barriers.

One such barrier could be unconscious bias in the hiring process, which might lead to the preferential selection of certain candidates over others. 

Another barrier could be a lack of mentorship or development programs for employees from designated groups, limiting their opportunities for advancement. 

A third barrier could be a workplace culture that is not inclusive or does not value diversity, making it a less welcoming environment for employees from designated groups.

By identifying and addressing these barriers, ACME could make significant strides towards achieving employment equity, creating a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace.

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