08 February 2008
Prospects for improving the employment rate of people from ethnic minority communities remain bleak, according to the National Audit Office.
A report published on February 1 says the gap between the employment rate for the ethnic minority population and that for the general population could take 30 years to eliminate.
The report, Increasing employment rates for ethnic minorities, says the Department for Work and Pensions' strategy to tackle the problem had produced some success, but lacked continuity. It was on course to meet its spring 2008 target.
The employment rate for the ethnic minority population is 60%, compared with 74% for the general population, the NAO found. The gap costs the economy £8.6bn each year, it said. Although there have been significant fluctuations over the past 20 years, the gap is only 1.3 percentage points lower than it was in 1987.
Acting auditor general Tim Burr said the DWP strategy had been fragmented but was being refocused on those living in deprived areas.
'While this provides opportunities to help those most disadvantaged, it carries the risk that some ethnic minorities may not receive the help they need to get a job,' he added.
'Unless the department is prepared to do more to reach out to the ethnic minority communities, prospects for increasing their employment rate remain bleak.'
PFfeb2008
