The Muslim Councilof Britain (MCB) and the Trade Unions Congress (TUC) are to hold a jointseminar to look at how trade unions can work more closely with the Muslimcommunity to improve the job prospects of Muslim workers and combat the threatthe far right poses to the UK'smany diverse communities.

Last September at the TUC Congress in Brighton,the MCB and the TUC signed an agreement committing the two organisations tojoint working to support workplace justice and to combat the threat ofIslamophobia. This event is aimed at giving practical effect to thosecommitments.

The seminar, which takes place at Congress House on Thursday 12 April starts at10.30am and will be chaired by TUC General Council member Mohammad Taj, of theTransport and General Workers Union.

The participative seminar includes sessions on: the Muslim community and work;the media and portrayals of the Muslim community; and countering the threat ofthe far right.

There will be keynote addresses from MCB Secretary General Dr Muhammad AbdulBari and TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber, who said: "We do notunderestimate the scale of the challenge facing us today. Islamophobia is areal and present threat, fuelled by prejudice and misunderstandings, and therise of the far right and electoral success of the BNP are alarming features ofrecent years. Local elections are approaching once again, and by workingtogether the TUC and the MCB can expose the far right for what they really areand work towards a better deal for everyone in the workplace."

Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari said: "We believe in social justice and equal rights forall. The Muslim community is facing real problems of discrimination and poverty– a third of Muslims are living in the 10% most deprived neighbourhoods of thecountry – but we have a tremendous amount to offer the UK workplace interms of skills, optimism and energy."

The Muslim Council of Britain is the UK's largest Muslim umbrella bodywith over 400 affiliated national, regional and local organisations, mosques,charities and schools.