Recession behind ‘lost’ unemployed BME generation
Young ethnic minorities have been worse hit by the recession than their white counterparts, according to a study based on unemployment data.
The findings from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) show that almost half (48%) of black people aged between 16-24 are now unemployed, compared with a rate of 20% among young white people.
Mixed ethnic groups have seen the biggest overall increases in unemployment, rising from 21% in March 2008 to 35% in November last year.
The smallest increase has been among young Asian people but overall youth unemployment currently stands at a 15 year high.
While there has been a sharp spike in unemployment among white young people, IPPR said most other ethnic minority groups entered the recession with much higher rates of unemployment.
It said the government’s pledge last year to shield ethnic minorities via targeted support had ‘not proven effective’ and called for alternative measures including increasing the number of Future Jobs Fund placements in disadvantaged areas.
Lisa Harker, IPPR co-director, said: ‘These findings are a worrying reminder that, although the recession is affecting all young people, those from ethnic minorities or with fewer qualifications are far more likely to become part of a generation lost to unemployment and disadvantage.’
Extra action involving the Future Jobs Fund ‘would ensure more young people can learn new skills and stay close to the labour market while looking for permanent work’, she said.
Other findings include:
• School leavers are far worse affected than graduates
• Among 16 to 24 year olds, unemployment is highest for those with no qualifications at 43% – an 11% increase since March 2008
• More than 20% of male graduates are unemployed, compared to 13% of females
• Wales, northeast and northwest England have seen the biggest increases in youth unemployment, followed by the west midlands and Northern Ireland
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