Ethnic Minorities

The 2001 Census shows that there are just over 100,000 people describing themselves as from minority ethnic groups in Scotland. This equates to some 2% of the population.

There is a complex link between poverty and ethnicity. According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) all minority ethnic groups in Scotland appeared disadvantaged on one or more poverty indicators. Their length of UK residence, legal status, belonging to a travelling culture and religion were factors in economic, social, material and environmental deprivation.  Ethnic minorities also have high incidences of homelessness, overcrowding and housing need suggesting income and material deprivation. This has links to disadvantaged economic status and poor health.

However the experience between different ethnic minority groups and sub groups can differ signifcantly. For example on income-based measures, Pakistanis/Bangladeshis and black households had higher rates of poverty than other ethnic groups. (JRF 2011) You are also more likely to be living in the most deprived areas if you are describe yourself as belonging to the following groups; Other South Asian, African and Black Scottish or Other Black. (Census 2001)

This variation is mirrored in employment across Scotland. Not only between ethnic groups but also where they live in the country. Ranging from 85.3% employment in Ayrshire to 51% in Glasgow city (source annual population survey Jan – Dec 2008).  In 2008 the employment rate for ethnic minorities across Scotland was 60.9% (Scotland employment rate 75.6%).  37% of minority ethnic people who were employed worked in Distribution, Hotels and Restaurants compared to only 18% of the white population (Source: Annual Population survey Jan-Dec 2008). 

Labour market information is also available from the 2001 Census. Although the Labour Force Survey is the official source of labour market information, Census data is also useful as it allows comparisons to be made across ethnic minority groups.

The Census shows that 70% of White Scottish people were in employment. In comparison, less than half of Other South Asians (46%), Pakistanis (47%) and Bangladeshis (49%) were in employment.

Unemployment rates are also considerably higher for the non-white population. Those groups experiencing the highest rates of unemployment are the Africans (15%), Black Scottish (15%) and Other South Asians (14%). This compares to an unemployment rate of 7% for the White Scottish population.

The Pakistani (32%), Chinese (23%) and Indian (22%) ethnic groups are most likely to be self-employed. In contrast, only 11% of White Scottish people are self-employed.