Minority Scots


Scottish people from ethnic minority backgrounds still face discrimination at work, according to a report by the Scottish Parliament’s Equal Opportunities Committee. 


Evidence was presented to the committee during a six-month inquiry showing that ethnic minorities are more likely to be unemployed, in low-paid work and under-represented in management roles. This is despite 80% of school leavers from ethnic minority backgrounds going to college or university compared to 65% of white Scots.


Further data showed that 32% of white applicants interviewed by local authorities were recruited, compared to only 18% of non-white candidates.


The report, Removing barriers: race, ethnicity and employment, also found that job recruitment is often carried out by word-of-mouth rather than by advertising vacancies. 


The committee has called on the Scottish government to open up opportunities via public sector procurement.

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/96080.aspx