The unemployment rate for Black and minority ethnic (BME) youth in the UK is 50% higher than the rate for young White workers, according to new Trade Union Congress (TUC) analysis.
The latest analysis of ONS figures reveals that the unemployment rate for young BME people aged 16-24 years old soared from 18.2% to 27.3% between the final quarter of 2019 and the final quarter of 2020. That’s a 50% increase in the rate over the period; and a rise of 9 percentage points. Over the same period the unemployment rate for young White workers rose from 10.1% to 12.4%; an increase of 22% of the original rate; or 2.3 percentage points.
These unemployment figures measure the proportion of young people who want to work who are in a job, and do not include young people who are inactive such as students. The findings reveal that BME young people who choose to work, rather than study, have a more difficult time in the labour market than their white peers.
DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACT ON BME YOUTH
Previous TUC analysis found that young workers generally have suffered a bigger hit to their job prospects than any other age group. More young workers were made redundant during summer 2020 than in all of 2019. Additionally, the number of pay-rolled employees aged under 25 fell by 437,000 between February 2020 and February 2021. This accounts for 63% of the nearly 700,000 payroll jobs lost over the pandemic.
The TUC said this is largely the result of Covid-19 hitting sectors of the economy where young people tend to work, such as accommodation and food services. But the union body is concerned that the disproportionate effect on young BME people is further evidence of racism within the labour market.
RACE-RELATED OBSTACLES
“Covid has removed any doubt that racism exists in our workplaces; and in wider society. And our new analysis shows that it starts as early as age 16,” stated TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady. “All our young people need opportunities as they start out on their careers – but they’ve been hit hardest by job losses in the pandemic. And some are facing additional obstacles because of their race. That’s wrong. Ministers must stop delaying and challenge the racism and inequality that holds back BME people from such an early age. And start creating good new jobs so that all of our young people have a fulfilling future to look forward to.”
Adding to her comments, Alex Graham, Chair of the TUC Young Workers Forum, stated: “The disproportionate impact on young BME workers is another reminder that racism exists in the labour market as in wider society. More work is needed to tackle discrimination in the labour market and make racism a thing of the past. The government must act to protect and create jobs and provide careers advice to help young people find work. We’ll be talking at our conferences about the all the action needed to stop the mass unemployment of young workers.”
ACTION NEEDED NOW
The TUC is calling on the government to take action now by:
- Creating good new jobs. The country could create 1.8 million new jobs in the next two years in green transport and infrastructure; and by unlocking public sector vacancies.
- Improve and extend the Kickstart scheme. The scheme is not effective as it doesn’t guarantee a high-quality sustainable job on a decent wage for every young unemployed person. Ministers should also ensure that ethnic monitoring is built into the scheme, so it is clear who is taking part; and whether they are getting jobs at the end. In addition, the Government should encourage employers to use positive action measures permitted by the Equality Act.
- Give more financial support for people who have lost their jobs. Young people may be pushed into poverty, unless universal credit is boosted.
- Provide dedicated careers advice for young workers who have lost their jobs.
This report follows another recent report from the TUC, which reveals that BME unemployment is exceeding worst case projections, as reported. The TUC has also launched an anti-racism task force, chaired by NASUWT General Secretary Dr Patrick Roach, to tackle the structural racism with the labour market; and wider society. The task force will lead the trade union movement’s renewed campaign against racism at work. It will engage with Black workers across the UK to hear about their experiences. And it will produce recommendations on tackling structural racism in the UK, in workplaces and in unions themselves.
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