Review Launched To Help BME Career Progression

A consultation aimed at black and minority ethnic people has been launched to help understand the obstacles they face in the labour market.

  • evidence shows people from BME backgrounds less likely to progress in the workplace than white counterparts
  • investigation into why and how this can be changed
  • government seeking evidence on economic and personal impact

The business leader investigating why black and minority ethnic (BME) people find it more difficult to progress into managerial and senior positions than their white counterparts is calling on people to share their views.

In February 2016, Business Secretary Sajid Javid asked Baroness McGregor-Smith, chief executive officer of the FTSE 250 company, Mitie Group plc, to find out what is holding BME talent back and recommend ways of breaking down these barriers.

Baroness McGregor-Smith said:

Right now people of BME backgrounds in the UK do not excel in the workplace at the same rate as their white counterparts.

We need to understand what the obstacles are that are preventing them to do so, and take strong actions to overcome them.

The call for evidence launched today (10 May 2016) is aimed at people from all BME communities across Great Britain to help Baroness McGregor-Smith understand the obstacles faced by people in the labour market, from recruitment through to executive level.

Businesses and third sector organisations are also being called upon to take part in the review. To coincide with the launch, Baroness McGregor-Smith is hosting a roundtable event with some of the country’s largest private sector employers.

Business Secretary Sajid Javid said:

Everyone should have the opportunity to get their dream job. That is why I asked Baroness McGregor-Smith to undertake this review and find out why people from BME backgrounds find it more difficult to reach the top.

I urge everyone who has experience of trying to progress in work to take part in this review. Employers need to back their workforces and I am also calling on them to make sure everybody has a fair chance to succeed.

Later this year, Baroness McGregor-Smith will publish the findings of her independent review into the obstacles that people from different communities face in the labour market, what impact this has on the economy and employers, and, for the first time, will bring together data that shows the extent of the problem.

The review will also include recommendations to government and business on how BME talent can be fully utilised by employers as well as highlighting best practice from across the public and private sectors.

More from Local and National News

  • TfL Reveals £900 Million Cost of Proposed West London Orbital Railway

    Transport for London has revealed that the proposed West London Orbital railway could cost up to £900 million. The new London Overground service would connect communities across west and north-west London, with construction potentially beginning in the early 2030s. A public consultation is open until 18 November 2026.

  • Calderdale Named Among England’s Top 25 Places for Children to Grow Up

    Calderdale has been recognised as one of England’s top 25 places for children and young people in a new report from the Children’s Commissioner. The borough is one of just three local authority areas in the North of England to feature among the highest-ranked locations.

  • Five Young Men Sentenced Over Violent Attacks in Bradford

    Five young men have been sentenced at Bradford Crown Court for their involvement in a series of violent incidents targeting three victims, including two teenage boys. The attacks involved robbery, group violence and the use of a baseball bat, with two brothers receiving immediate custodial sentences.

  • Leeds Man Jailed for Faking References to Secure Nursery Job

    A 27-year-old Leeds man already serving a prison sentence for possessing indecent images of children has been jailed for a further two years after falsifying references to secure nursery employment. Police have reassured parents that no images of children in nursery settings were found on his electronic devices.

  • Man, 35, Named as Victim of Fatal Enfield Pub Shooting

    Police have named 35-year-old Erdem Mustafa as the victim of a fatal shooting inside a pub in Enfield, north London. Detectives believe the attack was targeted and have launched a manhunt for the gunman, who remains at large.

  • Full Leeds Route Revealed for 2027 Tour de France Femmes

    The full Leeds route for the 2027 Tour de France Femmes Grand Départ has been unveiled, with cyclists set to travel through the city centre, Headingley, Kirkstall, Bramley, Farnley and Drighlington. The historic event takes place on 30 July 2027, marking the first time the world's biggest women's professional cycling race will visit Britain.

  • Bradford Solicitor Filmed Allegedly Advising How to Avoid £45,000 Immigration Fine

    A Bradford-based solicitor has been secretly filmed by the BBC appearing to suggest how a business owner could avoid a £45,000 penalty for employing an illegal worker. The solicitor denies wrongdoing, while Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced a review of how immigration fines are issued and collected.

  • Teen Driver Sentenced After 90mph Police Chase Through Halifax

    A teenage driver has received a suspended detention sentence after leading police on a dangerous pursuit through Halifax, reaching speeds of up to 90mph and colliding with several vehicles. Two pedestrians were forced to jump out of his path, while the damage caused exceeded £10,000.

  • Boy, 16, Cleared of Murdering Teenager in West London Stabbing

    A 16-year-old boy has been found not guilty of murdering 18-year-old Maliki Sharma, who died following a stabbing in Feltham, west London. The Old Bailey heard that the fatal confrontation followed an escalating dispute between two groups of young people.

  • Girl, 10, Suffers Chemical Burns After Glitter Phone Case Leaks

    A 10-year-old girl from Old Trafford has been treated in hospital after liquid from a cracked glitter-filled phone case reportedly caused painful chemical burns to her stomach. Her mother is warning other parents about the potential dangers of similar products.

  • Two Men Charged Following Keighley Café Break-In

    Two men have been charged with burglary following a reported break-in at the Endless Kettle Café in Keighley. The independent business is preparing to reopen today after the incident forced it to close and cancel customer bookings.

  • £100m Drugs Gang Ringleader Ordered to Pay Back £260,000

    A convicted drugs gang ringleader from Ravensthorpe has been ordered to repay more than £260,000 following a financial investigation by West Yorkshire Police. Mohammed Tasadiq Khan, 38, is already serving a 16-year prison sentence for his role in a drugs network worth an estimated £100 million.

On Air Now Drive-time 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

  • Legal Show Legal Show

    Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.

  • Remix Saturdays Remix Saturdays

    Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm

  • Bhangra Nights Bhangra Nights

    Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm

  • The Golden Era The Golden Era

    The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm