MSPs investigate race issues in finding work

Challenges faced by Scotland’s ethnic minorities in seeking employment are to be investigated by MSPs.

Holyrood's Equal Opportunities Committee has launched an inquiry into race, ethnicity and employment, calling for views from ethnic minority groups across Scotland, as well as employers and community groups.

A recent study by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found persistent inequalities by ethnicity in rates of participation in employment, self-employment and unemployment among those living in England & Wales, and data from Scotland’s Census 2011 suggests that similar inequalities persist in Scotland, in particular among those claiming African (15.4%), Caribbean or Black (11.2%) ethnicity, and those from a multiple or mixed ethnic group (8%) reported greater likelihood of being unemployed than those of white ethnicity (5%).

Committee convener Margaret McCulloch MSP commented: “If you come from an ethnic minority background, and want to access the same job opportunities many people take for granted, the committee understand you can face significant barriers. Have you experienced challenges in accessing employment support and advice, and what are your experiences of employment? We want to engage with you, understand your views and encourage action on your behalf.”

She added: “Crucially we want to hear about what measures are being taken – and what still needs to happen – to achieve equality in the workplace.”

Cllick here to view the call for evidence. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday 1 July 2015. The committee will produce a report on its findings, including policy recommendations, later this year.