TUC: BME unemployment is rising twice as fast as white workers during pandemic

The unemployment rate for BME workers has risen at more than twice the speed of the unemployment rate for white workers, according to a new TUC analysis of official statistics published today (Saturday). 

The analysis of figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that the BME unemployment rate shot up from 5.8% to 9.5% between the final quarter of 2019 and the final quarter of 2020 - an increase of nearly-two thirds. 

Over the same period the unemployment rate for white workers rose from 3.4% to 4.5% - an increase of just under a third. 

BME unemployment now exceeding worst-case projections 

The Office for Budget Responsibility has forecast that the unemployment rate for all workers will peak at 7.5% in the second quarter of 2021. 

But today’s analysis reveals that the number of BME people out of work is already far exceeding this worst-case scenario prediction, says the TUC. 

The unemployment rate for Black African and Caribbean workers has risen to 13.8% – more than three times the rate for white unemployment – and 1 in 10 BME women are now unemployed. 

Joint statement on the Sewell Commission 

The new analysis comes as unions, charities and campaigners have signed a joint statement calling on the Prime Minister to take the action he pledged last summer to end structural racism and inequality.  

The statement calls on the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities to publish its report into structural racism – which was due to be issued in January but has now been put back twice – without further delay. 

The Sewell Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities was set up in response to the disproportionate deaths of black and minority ethnic (BME) people  during the Covid-19 pandemic. The statement warns that the situation for BME people is now ‘urgent’: 

Despite progress on equality, change is urgent. BME people are three times more likely to die from Covid-19. The BME unemployment rate is running at almost double that of white workers. And BME workers in London experience a 24% pay gap. 

And the statement also warns ministers against pitching white and BME working people against each other. 

The UK must address the inequal opportunities faced by low income people, and the glaring disparities across the regions and nations of the UK alongside the racism and structural discrimination face by BME communities. But we will not stand by as white and BME working people are pitched against each other. 

Government action needed now 

The statement calls on the government to: 

• Implement in full the recommendations from the seven reports commissioned since 2010: Lammy, Angiolini, Williams (Windrush), McGregor-Smith, Kline, Parker and Timpson 

• Set out a race equality strategy to guide the Covid-19 response 

• Introduce mandatory ethnicity pay reporting. 

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “This pandemic has held up a mirror to the structural racism in our labour market – and wider society.  

“BME workers have borne the brunt of the economic impact of Covid-19, losing their jobs twice as quickly as white workers. 

“And when BME workers have held on to their jobs, we know that they are more likely to be working in low-paid, insecure jobs that put them at greater risk from the virus. 

“This is evidence of the structural discrimination which has led to a disproportionate BME death rate from coronavirus.  

“This crisis has to be a turning point. As we emerge from the pandemic, we can’t allow these inequalities in our workplaces – and our society – to remain. 

“Ministers must stop delaying and challenge the systemic racism and inequality that holds back BME people.” 

Lord Simon Woolley, former Chair of the government racial disparity unit, said: “If the government cares about tackling deep seated structural racism it must deliver big now. Anything less will be a kick in the teeth for our communities. 

“The government must stop pitting poor black people against poor white people – and effectively deal with systemic race inequality.” 

Chair of the TUC’s anti-racism task force and General Secretary of NASUWT, Dr Patrick Roach said: “Racism is at work and it exists. 

“There is clear and compelling evidence demonstrating the need for concerted action to eradicate the prejudice, discrimination and disadvantage that continue to deny many Black workers the opportunity to secure and progress in decent jobs and careers. 

“The impact of the pandemic has been devastating for our economy, and especially for Black workers who are not only more likely lose their jobs but also to die at work. 

“A national plan to tackle racial disparities in employment and in the labour market must also address the root causes and confront them head on.”