Ethic Minority Workers Chronically Under-represented In Scotland’s Public Sector

ETHNIC minority workers are “chronically under-represented” in Scotland’s public sector, research by MSP Anas Sarwar found.

While four per cent of the Scottish population are black and minority ethnic (BME), just 1.8 per cent of civil servants working are from ethnic minorities.

And fewer than one per cent of council employees identify as non-white in 21 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities, while Dumfries & Galloway Council has just one non-white staff member for every 1,000 employees.

The figures, from Scottish Parliament researchers, also found there are only 10 ethnic minority civil servants at the most senior level.

Sarwar has called for “a change in culture” in order for senior positions reflect Scottish society.

The Labour MSP said: “A diverse workforce is a strength, and we need a change in culture so that our public sector fully reflects Scottish society.

“And that doesn’t just mean increasing the number of BAME employees, but also those in positions of leadership.

“It can’t be because of a lack of talent – it’s a lack of opportunities.

“Greater diversity doesn’t just mean a more representative workforce, it also means a more informed workforce that influences mainstream decision-making.”