A report examined poverty among different minority-ethnic groups in Northern Ireland, following a period of high levels of inward migration. It said that people from minority-ethnic groups were at particular risk of in-work poverty and, while there was a lack of local level data, the available data indicated that there were high levels of labour market segregation among minority-ethnic groups, and the worst outcomes relating to economic activity, labour market participation, education, and health were found among the Irish Traveller community. The report said that English language skills were perceived as important for success in the labour market, and there was a perception among people from minority-ethnic backgrounds that 'ethnic markers', unfamiliarity with formal recruitment practices, and a lack of networks, restricted their access to the labour market. The report noted that a lack of data had inhibited assessment of the use or impact of government support.
Source: Jenny Irwin, Ruth McAreavey, and Niall Murphy, The Economic and Social Mobility of Ethnic Minority Communities in Northern Ireland, Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Date: 2014-May