The report released today (18) by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), a public body, found that the life chances of young people from ethnic minorities in Britain had deteriorated over the past five years after looking at areas such as education and health.
Race was the motive in 82 percent of hate crimes recorded in England and Wales, while the two nations saw an “unprecedented spike” in hate crimes since Britain voted on June 23 to leave the European Union.
Black people were found to be more than twice as likely than white people to be murdered in England and Wales than white people, and three times more likely to be prosecuted and sentenced.
Overall white people are more likely to be employed, better paid and in positions of power, the commission said.
David Isaac, who became EHRC chairman in May, called on the government to develop new targets to reduce race inequality in the criminal justice system, education and employment.
“Today’s report underlines just how entrenched race inequality and unfairness still is in our society,” Isaac said.
The latest report comes shortly after another comprehensive report from the Runnymede Trust, an independent equality think tank which called for a race equality strategy to tackle inequalities in numerous areas of public policy including education, employment and human rights.
Dr Omar Khan, director of the Runnymede Trust, told Eastern Eye about a number of important issues of failing racial equality in the UK. He said he had very serious concerns about the fairness of the education system.
“While we have seen positive signs in GCSE attainment when you look at higher education we have very serious concerns about whether or not people people are getting the same degree qualifications. So even though Indian pupils out performed white pupils for twenty years in secondary education they remain less likely to get a first [class degree qualification] than white graduates. Indian graduates still earn less than their white counterparts after graduation,” said Khan.
Khan said that the labour market diversity was a key area in addressing racial discrimination in the workplace.
“All employers over 50 people should have plans should have plans to reduce and target inequalities, not only in hiring, of who gets in the door but also in progression and pay. So when you get in the door you get the same treatment of your white peers, said Khan.
Khan also singled out increased racism as another issue in light of Brexit and media incitement to racial hatred.
“The lack of leadership from the top has been so disappointing, the political class have not been defending multi ethnic Britain, multiculturalism and diversity, they have rather been demonising migrants and trying create a hostile environment. And know they are surprised there is a rise in hate crimes following Brexit. And now they are condemning it, for 10 and 15 years they have been doing nothing they have been doing very little to celebrate black and Asian people to this country,” said Khan.
