How Place Influences Employment Outcomes for Ethnic Minorities

This research looks at the influence of location on employment for ethnic minorities, asking why ethnic minority people fare disproportionately worse in the labour market in areas of high deprivation.

It examines the roles of culture, racism and class, and of familial, community and state support in affecting employment outcomes. It found that:

Racism in education and employment varies by locality, contributing to differences in outcome by location.

Knowledge of education and labour market systems, and how to negotiate them, affects employment outcomes.

Social segregation and migration tend to reduce knowledge and negotiating ability, leading to differing employment outcomes by place.

Whilst social segregation may provide support, it can also reduce employment performance, limiting social networks and inhibiting labour market knowledge.