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BAME
BAME15 groups face particular barriers both in accessing and progressing in work, many of those who are in employment work in low paid sectors or in insecure or part-time jobs. Recent analysis by the Office for National Statistics indicates that employees from the Bangladeshi ethnic group, on average, earned 20.2% less than White British employees.16 This is a contributing factor to the high poverty rate among BAME groups which if addressed, and individuals were supported to acquire meaningful employment could add £24 billion a year to the UK economy.17
Racial diversity is low in the region compared with the national average for an area of a similar size. However, it is essential that individuals are supported with overcoming the barriers present, these include;
• Skills: BAME groups within the region need to be supported with accessing training and skills development. ‘English for Speakers of Other Languages’ (ESOL) provision is essential and should continue to be promoted as a route to improving the prospects of individuals enabling them to live independently, access work and educational opportunities and fulfil their potential.18
• Employment Support: Individuals should be given tailored and specific employment support to increase their participation and progression into the labour market. This employment support should directly address the barriers that BAME individuals face with relation to the labour market. This support could include; mentoring, support in finding volunteering or work experience placements or assistance with job searching.
• Productivity in Low Paid Sectors: BAME workers are concentrated in the traditionally low paid sectors such as retail and hospitality. These sectors account for a third of the productivity gap between the UK and other European countries. There is a requirement to support these sectors in closing that productivity gap which would improve outcomes for BAME individuals.19
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15 Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic
16 https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/earningsandworkinghours/articles/
ethnicitypaygapsingreatbritain/2018
17 https://www.jrf.org.uk/blog/three-solutions-challenges-faced-ethnic-minorities-labour-market
18 ESOL Policy for Wales – Welsh Government (2017)
19 https://www.jrf.org.uk/blog/three-solutions-challenges-faced-ethnic-minorities-labour-market
Regional Employment & Skills Plan South West & Mid Wales
Policy Context