Youth Futures Foundation Launches Report On Discrimination and Work

According to new research conducted by Youth Futures Foundation, half of young people from an ethnic minority background face discrimination in the workplace

Youth Futures Foundation has launched the report ‘Discrimination and Work: Breaking down the barriers faced by ethnically minoritised young people’.

The UK’s largest survey of young people from minority backgrounds is aiming to break down workplace discrimination. With insights gathered from 3,250 individuals aged 18-25, examines the issue of systemic discrimination faced by young people from ethnically minoritised backgrounds in the workplace. This report offers valuable insights into how we can create more inclusive workplaces where every young person has the right to succeed.

The primary aim of this report is to uncover the challenges faced by young people from ethnically minoritised backgrounds when seeking employment and advancing in their careers. It explores the realities of discrimination, the impact on individuals, and the barriers hindering their professional development.

Key findings include:

  • Almost half of respondents (48%) reported experiencing prejudice or discrimination when entering the workforce, with ethnic discrimination being the most frequently cited type.
  • Despite the frequency of discrimination, a staggering 79% of affected individuals did not formally report it, highlighting systemic barriers to addressing these issues.
  • Discrimination has profound personal implications, with 41% of respondents experiencing negative emotional impacts and 38% reporting a loss of confidence as a result.

These findings highlight how half of the UK’s young people from an ethnic minority background face prejudice and discrimination as they enter the world of work. By addressing these challenges head-on, we can ensure that all young people have equal opportunities to succeed and can contribute positively to the workforce.

Download the full report to explore the findings and recommendations in detail. Please also share this report with your colleagues and wider networks to help raise awareness. These findings are a shocking reminder that the UK could lose a generation of young workers due to system ethnic discrimination.

Read Full Report

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