Half of young black people out of work

Almost half of black young people are unemployed, after a big increase in the group's jobless rate since the recession began.

An analysis by the Institute for Public Policy Research shows that unemployment among black people aged between 16 and 24 is well over twice the 20 per cent rate of unemployment among white young people. Mixed ethnic groups have seen the biggest increases in unemployment, rising from 21 per cent in March 2008 to 35 per cent in November 2009. Total youth unemployment currently stands at almost 943,000 – almost one in five 16- to 24-year-olds, a 15-year high.

As in previous recessions, ethnic minorities have been disproportionately affected by the rise in unemployment, says the report. The IPPR says its findings suggest that the Government's pledge last year to shield ethnic minorities by targeting support at disadvantaged groups has not been effective.