Increasing workplace progression for Black and minority employees could give the UK economy a £24 billion boost says review

The UK economy could benefit from a £24billion-a-year boost if black and minority ethnic (BME) people progressed in work at the same rate as their white counterparts, a government-backed review has found.

The independent Baroness McGregor-Smith Review, found that people from BME backgrounds are still being held back in the workplace because of the colour of their skin, costing the UK economy the equivalent of 1.3 per cent in GDP a year.

The review, encompassing almost 500 individuals and companies, including a host of FTSE 100 companies, also found employment rates for people from BME backgrounds are 12 per cent lower than their white counterparts at 62.8 per cent, with just six per cent reaching top level management positions. People from BME backgrounds are also more likely to work in lower paid and lower skilled jobs despite being more likely to have a degree, the report reveals. The review also found 15.3 per cent of BME workers would like to work more hours compared to 11.5 per cent of white workers.

Today, 14 per cent of the working age population come from BME background, which is expected to rise to 21 per cent by 2051, a statistic the country cannot afford to ignore.

In a series of recommendations, the review calls for large employers to lead the way in tackling barriers to BME progression, calling on companies with more than 50 employees to:

Baroness McGregor-Smith, who led the review, said: “The time for talk on race in the workplace is over, it’s time to act. No-one should feel unable to reach the top of any organisation because of their race. If businesses and the Government act on my recommendations, it will show everyone from a minority background that Britain’s workplace is for everyone not just the privileged few.”

Today, 14 per cent of the working age population come from BME background, which is expected to rise to 21 per cent by 2051, a statistic the country cannot afford to ignore, the review revealed.

“The consequences of continuing to do nothing will be damaging to the economy and to the aspirations of so many. So, from the Cabinet table to the board rooms, there is no more time for excuses - just change.”

The UK Government has recently announced a Business Diversity and Inclusion Group to be set up and chaired by the country’s Business Minister and which will bring together business leaders and organisations to coordinate action to remove barriers in the workplace and monitor employers’ progress.

The group will also bring together the leaders of three industry-led diversity reviews:

The review found large employers like the NHS, KMPG and RBS have benefitted from increased innovation, more effective teamwork and a better understanding of customer demands by harnessing BME talent.

As part of the recommendations, Business in the Community (BITC) has agreed to publish an annual list of Best 100 Employers to celebrate success and highlight best practice. According to Sandra Kerr, Race Equality Director at BITC: “As this review clearly shows, harnessing the very best of BME talent is the only way forward that makes sense for employers. But this change has to be business led.

“The annual list of ‘Best 100 Employers for Race’ will showcase businesses at their best and spur other employers on to improve diversity and inclusion in the workplace.”

For the full report, visit: Race in the workplace: The McGregor-Smith Review