Saturday March 27th 2021
British study criticizes racism
Minorities are twice as likely to be unemployed
The pandemic is hugely increasing discrimination in the UK labor market, according to a study. Over a quarter of all young British minorities are unemployed. The TUC union speaks of structural racism – and calls on Prime Minister Johnson to act.
According to a study, unemployment among young blacks, Asians and members of other minorities in Great Britain rose significantly more than among whites during the corona pandemic. The rate among the BAME (Black, Asians and minority ethnic) between the ages of 16 and 24 has jumped from 18.2 to 27.3 percent, said the TUC union.
In white people of the same age, it only changed from 10.1 to 12.4 percent. TUC Secretary General Frances O’Grady said the disproportionate effect on young BAME members was further evidence of racism in the labor market. “Covid has removed any doubt that racism exists in our workplaces and in society.” The analysis shows that this happens early, around the age of 16.
The investigation comes after unions, charities and activists signed a joint statement to Prime Minister Boris Johnson. They call on him to take measures to end structural racism and inequality.
“At greater risk from coronavirus”
“If minority workers have been detained in their jobs, we know that they are more likely to work in poorly paid, insecure jobs that put them at greater risk from the virus,” O’Grady told the Guardian. This is further evidence of the structural discrimination that has led to a disproportionately high death rate for these groups from the coronavirus.
The study also shows that more young workers were laid off in summer 2020 than in 2019 as a whole. This is due to the fact that young people often work in industries affected by the pandemic, such as gastronomy. The hotel and restaurant industry lost 18 percent of its jobs during the pandemic.
Where young people work explains why they are more likely to be hit by work stoppages. A fifth of all young workers are on leave, more than any other age group. The union is now calling on the government to announce that the wage subsidies will continue to be paid for as long as they are needed on a full leave of absence (“Furlough”).
.