Unemployment by ethnic background

The UK unemployment rate was 4.0% in October-December 2021. The rate was 3.5% for people from a White ethnic background compared to 7.7% for people from minority ethnic backgrounds, although there was substantial variation between different ethnic minority groups.

People from White (3.5%) and Indian (4.4%) ethnic backgrounds had the lowest unemployment rates, and people from Pakistani (10.2%) and Bangladeshi (9.4%) ethnic backgrounds had the highest rates in October-December 2021.

The number of people from a minority ethnic background who are unemployed has decreased from the same period last year, with the unemployment rate falling from 9.8% to 7.7%. The unemployment rate for people from White ethnic backgrounds also fell, from 4.5% to 3.5%. Unemployment rates for people from both White and minority ethnic backgrounds are below the rates seen prior to the economic downturn in 2008.

In the twelve months to September 2021, the unemployment rate was highest for people from a Black (11%) ethnic background and people from Mixed or multiple ethnic backgrounds (11%). It was lowest for people from a White (4%) or Indian (5%) ethnic background.