Employment, skills and economic security
BTEG Action Plan To Increase Employment Rates For Young Black Men In London
Black Training and Enterprise Group (BTEG) · 2014
About this report
Young black men aged 16–24 in London face unemployment rates more than double those of young white men, a gap that has widened since 2009 despite improved educational attainment. This action research project, conducted by BTEG between October 2013 and April 2014, combined an online survey of 160 young black men and four discussion groups with 25 young black male job seekers to understand the causes of this disparity. Young black men consistently identified racism, discrimination and negative stereotyping — rather than individual failings — as the primary barriers to employment, and reported feeling largely unsupported by Jobcentre Plus and Work Programme providers. The report concludes with a four-area action plan calling for a coordinated London-wide goal, improved tailored support for young black male job seekers, more pathways into employment, and active challenging of negative stereotypes.
Research details
- Methodology
- SurveyFocus groupInterviewMixed methodsSecondary analysis
- Sample size
- 160
- Sample
- Black men (African, Caribbean, Mixed) aged 16–24 living in London, comprising both those in employment/education/training (72%) and those who were NEET (28%).
- Who it's about
- NEET (not in education, employment or training)
- Locality
- London
- Place
- London
- Youth involvement
- No youth involvement
- Funders
- Trust for London, VCS Assist Technical Assistance project