In-work poverty, ethnicity and workplace cultures
Published on 25 September, 2013.
With a high representation of ethnic minorities in low-paid work, and falling demand for low-level skills, this publication reveals the need for skills development and career progression for all employees.
This research found that:
People in low-paid work across all ethnicities share difficulties in living on a low income. Many aspire to move up the career ladder, but informal workplace practices trap some workers in low-paid work. Power imbalances between managers and low-paid workers shape daily interactions in which some workers were recognised and included, while others were marginalised. Barriers identified by managers for low-paid worker progression include low staff turnover and workforce restructuring. Additional barriers for ethnic minority staff are low self-confidence and language skills, a lack of ethnic minority role models in leadership positions and a lack of organisational understanding of ethnic minority communities.