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Ethnic Minority Poverty Rates Highlighted

People from ethnic minorities in Britain are twice as likely to be poor than their white counterparts.

Researchers from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found that those living under the breadline are not getting the right opportunities.

The study also highlighted differences between different ethnic minority groups, with 65 per cent of Bangladeshis living in poverty, compared with 55 per cent of Pakistanis, 45 per cent of Black Africans and 30 per cent of Indians and Black Caribbeans.

A "staggering" 70 per cent of Bangladeshi children are growing up poor, said the report.

Foundation Director Julia Unwin said: "Although the past decade has seen some improvements, there are still some very serious problems which remain unsolved.

"This research shows how policies need to address the different situation of each group and be followed through on a practical level."

She continued: "We need an urgent rethink from government and employers, so that minority ethnic groups do not miss out on opportunities in the workplace and higher educational attainment is properly recognised.

"Even with a degree, Pakistani and Bangladeshi men are less likely to be employed than someone white with the same qualifications.

"Despite a rapid growth in Pakistani and Bangladeshi women going to university, they suffer high unemployment and are much less likely than Indian or white British women to be in professional, or managerial, jobs."

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