Race inequality ‘entrenched’ in UK report finds

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has given its most damning report on the state of race inequality perhaps for a generation. Not only does it highlight entrenched racial disadvantage in key area of education, employment and the criminal justice system, but it also flags up the post Brexit rise in race hate crime that could, it argues, have profound and long lasting effect.

In a damning indictment of the last five years, the EHRC director David Isaacs stated we’ve heard a lot of ‘one nation’ rhetoric, but barely any substance to close gaps.

Today’s findings shine a light on the broad reach of race inequality in today’s society which include, discrimination practice and outcomes in all areas and at all levels of life in the UK.

These include:

• Ethnic minority people were more likely to live in poverty than white people;
• Black people in England are more than three times more likely to be victims of homicide than those who are white;
• Unemployment rates were "significantly higher" for ethnic minorities;
• Black workers with degrees earn 23.1% less on average than white employees with the qualifications;
• Ethnic minorities are still "hugely under-represented" in positions of power - such as judges and police chiefs.

The report also highlights the worrying shift in British attitudes towards minorities during, and since the EU referendum. The referendum debate unleashed a deluge of xenophobia, and racism not seen since the 1970’s. The report argues that unless the Government has a clear and comprehensive race equality strategy right across Whitehall a multitude of dynamics including; austerity, Brexit, unconscious bias and wilful bias could take this nation to a very dark place.

This bold report has to welcome. Its timing could not be better. We have a new Prime Minister, Theresa May who has shown that she is not blind to structural race inequality, and unlike her predecessor does not subscribe to great talk but little action. Time will tell whether May at the helm will be substantially different to Cameron.

This will also be a welcome boost for the EHRC,-which is threatened by more cuts to its budget. Sadly, for last five years the Commission has been virtually silent on race. Many will hope this marks a new turning point for the Commission, one in which it has now rediscovered its voice and importance in holding the Government and the nation to account in dealing with persistent race inequality.

Simon Woolley