INCREASING EMPLOYMENT RATES FOR ETHNIC MINORITIES REPORT

Early day motion 2096, tabled 21 July 2008 by Diane Abbott (Labour). Signed by 18 members.

That this House notes with concern the findings of the Public Accounts Committee's recent report on the employment levels of ethnic minorities in the UK; further notes the findings that there is a 14.2 per cent. gap between the employment rate of ethnic minorities and that of the general population; further notes that the report estimates that this lack in ethnic minority employment costs the Government £1.3 billion in benefits and lost tax revenue as well as a £7.3 billion loss to the UK economy; recognises the report's conclusions that there is a severe lack of continuity in the Government's approach to tackling this employment gap, that there are no clear targets given to the Department for Work and Pensions to increase ethnic minority employment, that discrimination remains a barrier to ethnic minority employment, and that the reduction in outreach activities carried out by Jobcentre Plus has had a negative impact on engaging unemployed ethnic minorities; and calls on the Department for Work and Pensions to tackle this employment gap by setting specific targets for improvement, making better use of pilot projects to influence best practice, and improving services provided by Jobcentre Plus.

Signatures by party: Labour 13, Liberal Democrat 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Plaid Cymru 1.