Nearly half of ethnic minority youth face work-related discrimination, reveals new research.
- A comprehensive survey involves over 3,000 young people from ethnic minority backgrounds.
- About one-third of the respondents reported experiencing racist remarks in the workplace.
- Two-thirds witnessed colleagues using racist slurs or making derogatory jokes.
- Despite discrimination, many incidents go unreported amid doubts of any impactful resolutions.
The Youth Futures Foundation’s recent study finds that 48% of young people from ethnic minority backgrounds experience discrimination while entering the workforce. This substantial research surveyed 3,250 individuals, marking it as the most extensive survey conducted in Britain for this demographic. Approximately one-third (33%) have reported direct experiences of racist remarks or jokes at work.
Further findings reveal that a significant 66% of participants have overheard coworkers or supervisors engaging in racist slurs, highlighting a pervasive culture of discrimination. Distressingly, 20% of respondents reported being referred to derogatorily by their peers in workplace settings.
Presently, almost a quarter of the UK’s population under 25 years comprises ethnic minorities, exacerbating concerns as 12% of this age group is neither employed, studying, nor in training. This statistic corresponds with the research that identifies prejudice as a major barrier to employment for 30% of the non-engaged youth from ethnic minorities.
Discrimination impacts not only the entry into the workforce but also the longevity of careers for these young individuals. Notably, 70% of those encountering discrimination have considered leaving their jobs or changing industries. Such behavior underscores the detrimental effect of workplace discrimination on career stability and progression.
Moreover, the challenge of addressing discrimination in workplaces is compounded by the fact that 69% of affected young people opt against reporting incidents, fearing ineffectiveness. Additionally, 41% attest to the negative emotional fallout from such experiences, including a notable 38% reporting diminished self-confidence.
In response, the Youth Futures Foundation urges both employers and policymakers to take immediate and deliberate steps to eradicate workplace discrimination. Recommendations include implementing zero-tolerance policies, mandating transparency in pay and promotion analytics by ethnicity, and prioritizing experiential opportunities for ethnic minority youth.
Addressing workplace discrimination is critical to unlocking the potential of ethnic minority youth and fostering an inclusive professional environment.
