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London city hall launches initiative to tackle race inequalities in labour market
London city hall launched a new initiative, the Workforce Integration Network, to tackle the high unemployment levels of black youths in London.
The new measures launched on Wednesday will focus on helping young black men into employment in the construction and digital sectors since their rate of unemployment is the highest (32%) compared to other youths from other ethnic groups.
In the construction sector which amounts for 5% of the total jobs in the city, only 8% of the workforce is composed by black men aged 16-24, compared to the 83.5% of white men in the sector.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan's new approach will work with employers and organizations to remove barriers and level the unemployment rates. Businesses will be encouraged to increase representation by announcing vacancies to Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) applicants.
The Workforce Integration Network will also start traineeship programmes, work placements and in-work mentoring.
Khan said : "Too often we still see huge inequalities as a result of race and economic background. I am proud today to launch the Workforce Integration Network which will take important steps to help tackle the systemic bias which leaves too many talented young black men missing out on the opportunities London offers.