The study was based on detailed qualitative data on individuals’ education and employment histories and information about the local areas gathered from stakeholders and from published data. It examined pre-labour market influences (school, parents, careers information), aspirations, job histories and adult education and training to understand ethnic differences in economic activity, occupational patterns and earnings. Differences by culture, religion and migration generation were explored. Whilst the study identified ways in which place influenced employment outcomes for ethnic minorities, many of the themes identified in the study, in particular the difficulties faced by young people from disadvantaged backgrounds or in deprived areas, are relevant across the UK and to members of all ethnic groups, including the white majority.

The study was funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.