NCB has launched a new minisite advising young people about their rights under employment equality regulations. The site is particularly targeted at Black and minority ethnic communities where unemployment remains disproportionately high.

It forms part of a project funded by the Department for Trade and Industry to raise awareness of legislation which outlaws discrimination in the workplace on the grounds of sexual orientation, religion or belief. The project aims to translate these laws into a peer-friendly format addressing specific concerns young people might have.

Designed to allow users access to information in confidence, the site will also provide advice on the legal minimum wage, health and safety regulations and what to do if you have a grievance, as well as featuring links to more specialist support.

To ensure the site meets its audience's needs NCB consulted a range of young people, including a significant number of lesbians, gay and bisexual young people, to find out what they knew about their rights, their views on web site design and how they access information. The site was then piloted with young people and those who work with them.

NCB hopes it will help to tackle the widespread lack of knowledge about employment rights and the fear young people may have of contesting unfair treatment.

"In spite of legislation to address these problems, discrimination and harassment still happen in the workplace and young people may be particularly vulnerable," said Patrice Lawrence, co-ordinator of NCB's Black and minority ethnic children programme, who is managing the project.

"Research has found that young people are considered six times more likely than adults to change jobs, making it harder for them to access support and information on employment rights.

The web site will provide a constant source of advice which is tailored to their needs."

Postcards and posters highlighting potential problems in the workplace and featuring details on the web site will be sent to schools, Connexions offices and other community based organisations throughout the country.

- Visit www.youngncb.org.uk/yourrights.