The Budget, Labour Market Statistics and Black, Minority, Ethinc Group Statistics
By Jack Welch
A Youth Ambassador’s review of the budget, the latest labour market statistics (LMS) and the Black, Minority and Ethnic (BME) group figures that were released earlier this month.
The final budget of the present Coalition government was one of stark contrast to others since 2010. When more divisive and austere measures were introduced in respect of current optimism. The latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that unemployment figures have decreased once again. 75% of the working population (16-64) are now in some form of work. Youth unemployment too has decreased by 12,000 from January this year. Less encouraging figures ONS released earlier this month, reveals that those from the Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) group face strong disadvantages in their search for work.
According to Labour Party research, , 49% of unemployed 16-24 year olds are in the BME category and this has not improved since the last election in 2010. The Conservatives, argue that figures also soared under the New Labour governments when BME unemployment sharply increased from 192,000 in 2001 to 405,000 in 2010. It could be argued that neither governing party has found a way to improve the situation of those most affected when they had the opportunity. In stats released this month, Overall unemployment is now at 5.6%. Yet, it was approaching 14% for those from a BME background, and for 16-24 year olds the rates were higher. Whereas 16% of White people were currently employed, 32% of Black people were unemployed. Followed by 25% Asian people. There is a clear imbalance with those from a BME background facing greater employment challenges.
Unemployment disparities alone were higher in this age group compared to any other. In 2012, data collected by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) reported that 20% of white young people were unemployed. At that time 45% of BME groups faced the same scenario, with males being exceptionally high. This might have started to even out, as shown by figures in 2015, but the figures highlight the severity of the crisis facing ethnic equality in the workplace.
YEUK continues to to tackle youth unemployment in the UK for all young people. Regardless of gender, ethnicity or religion. All young people have an equal right to opportunities based on talent alone and can expect cultural differences to be respected.
