A recent study conducted by the Youth Futures Foundation reveals that nearly half of the surveyed young people belonging to ethnic minority groups reported encountering prejudice or discrimination during their pursuit of employment opportunities.
The extensive research, involving 3,250 participants, exposed a distressing pattern of discrimination experienced by 48 percent of young ethnic minority individuals striving to enter the workforce.
This discrimination manifests in various forms, with a third of respondents (33%) recounting instances of racist remarks, jokes, or banter directed at them within workplace settings.
Moreover, the study highlights a pervasive culture of racism within workplaces, as two-thirds (66%) of participants admitted to overhearing co-workers or supervisors making racist slurs or jokes.
Additionally, one in five individuals (20%) reported being subjected to derogatory remarks from colleagues.
A barrier to employment
The implications of these findings are profound, especially considering the demographic landscape of the United Kingdom. Census data reveals that almost a quarter of the UK’s population under 25 years old belongs to an ethnic minority background. Furthermore, recent statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicate that 12 percent of young people aged 16-24 are neither in employment, education, nor training (NEET).
Alarmingly, the study found that discrimination poses a significant barrier to employment for many young individuals, with nearly a third (30%) of respondents who are NEET attributing their status to prejudice or discrimination. This barrier not only obstructs entry into the workforce but also influences career trajectories, as 70 percent of those who faced discrimination admitted to contemplating changing jobs or industries.
Despite the prevalence of discrimination, a concerning trend emerged regarding reporting mechanisms within workplaces. Over two-thirds (69%) of young people who experienced discrimination refrained from reporting it, citing scepticism about its efficacy. Moreover, discrimination took a toll on the emotional well-being of respondents, with 41 percent expressing negative emotional impacts and 38 percent reporting a loss of self-confidence.
Urgent action is needed
In response to these distressing findings, Youth Futures Foundation advocates for urgent action from employers and policymakers. Lord Woolley, a board member at Youth Futures Foundation, emphasised the imperative of dismantling barriers hindering the success of young individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds. Woolley stressed that failure to address widespread discrimination could impede the progress of young people during crucial stages of their careers.
Sarah Yong, Director of Policy and Communications at Youth Futures Foundation, underscored the importance of understanding and addressing these barriers to employment. She urged workplaces and policymakers to take proactive measures to combat discriminatory practices and ensure equitable opportunities for young people from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Echoing these sentiments, Oscar, aged 22 and Chair of the Future Voices Group, emphasised the need for employers to confront both overt and subtle forms of discrimination. He urged employers to heed the recommendations outlined by Youth Futures Foundation to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment for ethnically minoritised young people.
In light of these findings, Youth Futures Foundation calls for concrete actions, including the prioritisation of work experience for young individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds and the adoption of a zero-tolerance approach towards non-inclusive behaviour in workplaces. Additionally, the organisation advocates for policymakers to mandate employers to publish ethnicity pay gaps and make relevant data publicly available.
Youth Futures Foundation, as a What Works Centre for youth employment, remains committed to narrowing employment gaps for young people facing significant challenges. Through evidence-based approaches and advocacy, the foundation endeavours to improve policies and practices surrounding youth employment.
The Future Voices Group, comprising 15 young people, serves as the embodiment of youth voice within Youth Futures Foundation. These individuals play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s vision and strategy while advocating for the rights and opportunities of young people across England concerning employment.
As the discourse around discrimination in the workplace continues, the findings of the Youth Futures Foundation study serve as a clarion call for concerted efforts to dismantle systemic barriers and foster an environment of equality and inclusion within workplaces across the nation.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
