IES webinar: Persistent race inequalities in the UK’s labour market and how to address them in your workplace

Background

UK census data collected by the Office for National Statistics in 2021 shows a steady decline in those identifying as belonging to white ethnic groups and an increase in the proportion of ethnic minority workers over the past two decades. Yet, labour market analysis shows varying and disproportionate participation rates between different ethnic minority groups, especially Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Black Caribbean ethnic groups. What do these inequalities mean for race relations in the UK labour market? How can we identify and tackle persistent race inequalities within the workforce, and what evidence exists to show what works? These and further questions will be discussed in this webinar.

Event summary

Using recent research insights from the health and adult social care sector and from youth employment, Meenakshi Krishnan and Claudia Plowden Roberts will discuss the evolving landscape of racial inequalities in UK workplaces. They will delve into the nature and extent of race inequalities, demonstrating how ethnicity intersects with gender, age, and nationality to exacerbate experiences of combined discrimination. They will also identify the systemic and institutional conditions that drive racism at work, and offer evidence on what works (and what does not) in improving racial equity and inclusion within organisations.

Topics we will cover

• Evolving race and ethnic profile of the UK labour market.
• Mapping race and ethnic inequalities in an intersectional context.
• Identifying drivers and sources of unequal treatment at work.
• Reviewing the evidence on what works and what prevents the inclusion of employees from ethnic minority groups.
• Applying insights and discussion: what can you do at your workplace?

How will participants/delegates benefit from attending?

HR and equality, diversity and inclusion leaders will develop a better understanding of the complex and intersectional nature of race inequality in the UK and the workplace and why it is difficult to address these inequalities through simplistic policy solutions. They will leave with clear and practical actions that can be implemented within their organisational context.

Agenda outline

09:30 Intro and welcome

09:35 Race and ethnicity trends in the UK labour market

09:45 How inequalities manifest: Employee Voice survey findings

10:00 Drivers of persistent inequalities

10:15 Group discussion and feedback on what works to promote racial inclusion

10:25 Emerging best practices

10:30 Close