Rachel Brooks reports on the latest worrying trends in growing unemployment in Britain
OVER HALF of black men in Britain between the ages of 16-24 are unemployed according to the latest figures from the National Office for Statistics. This figure has more than doubled in the last three years. rising from 28.8 per cent in 2008 to 55.9 per cent in the last three months of 2011. It is clear that the effects of the recession are hitting ethnic minority groups hardest.
Media pundits and sociologists waste acres of print suggesting ways to motivate young black men – giving them role models and mentoring – as though joblessness was primarily their fault rather than a result e racism and discrimination.
The report also claims that unemployment is hitting young men harder than young women.
Nevertheless unemployment amongst women is at a 25 year high as jobs in the public sector – where women making up 67 per cent of the workforce – are slashed.
The number of women aged between 50-65 out of work is also much higher, which has a Knock on effect in terms of their pension ccontributions.
With few jobs on the horizon, coupled with the less of educational opportunities, these statistics paint a bleak picture.
To avoid a generation of women and young black men who suffer even worse alienation and poverty the labour movement and youth organisations need to organise the unemployed and fight for decent jobs for all.
