Burnham-chaired Task Force launches recommendations to improve job opportunities for ethnically diverse young people

A landmark report looking to improve the chances of Black, Asian, Mixed Race, and other ethnically diverse young people getting into meaningful employment was released yesterday, 1 July. 

The Race Equity in Employment Task Force launched the pivotal report ‘No Talent Wasted: A roadmap to ending ethnic inequality in youth employment‘.

Published by Action for Race Equality (ARE), in collaboration with Business in the Community (BITC), on behalf of the Race Equity in Employment Task Force, the report sets out five key recommendations to end racial discrimination for young people in employment, including setting a clear target to eliminate racial disparities in employment for young people amidst the ongoing NEET (not in education, employment, or training) crisis, and delivering this target through a devolved, place-based approach.  

The Task Force launched in May 2025 and was chaired by the former Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham. It bought together academics, employers, and local and national leaders to secure real change for ethnically diverse young people.

The Task Force has identified the barriers and necessary interventions that deliver equality in employment – a roadmap for systemic change. It is not simply about reducing disadvantage; it is about recognising the value, dignity, and potential of every person. 

At last night’s launch event, Jeremy Crook OBE, Chief Executive of Action for Race Equality, spoke about the initiative’s origins, and Howard Dawber OBE, London’s Deputy Mayor for Business, spoke about the positive impact if more young people could successfully transition from education into employment.   

Special guest, Minister for Equalities Seema Malhotra MP, summed it up by saying, ”The talent is there, but the opportunity is not.”

About ethnic inequality in youth employment  

Ethnically diverse young people aged 16-24 have long experienced disproportionately high unemployment. Evidence on what works to tackle these racial disparities in employment is clear – but change has been slow, and young people continue to be under-represented in the workforce.  

Over one million young people are NEET. Black, African, and Caribbean young people have the highest NEET rate of 15.2%. Asian young people have the highest hidden NEET rate at 75.5%. The chances for ethnically diverse young people who are NEET to escape are much lower, as these demographics experience disproportionately higher rates of unemployment in older age groups. 

In 2025, Business in the Community found that tackling racial disparities in the labour market would boost the UK economy by £37 billion per year. 

Jeremy Crook OBE, Chief Executive of Action for Race Equality, said:  

 The persistent employment gap facing Black, Asian, and Mixed Heritage young people is not inevitable – it is the result of systemic barriers that have been allowed to endure for too long. Our Task Force report demonstrates both the urgency of the challenge and the solutions needed to address it. Informed by employers and young people themselves, the recommendations provide a practical roadmap for reducing youth unemployment and inactivity. The time for action is now. Lasting change will require leadership, accountability, and collaboration across sectors to ensure every young person has a fair opportunity to thrive. 

Sandra Kerr CBE, Race Equality Director at Business in the Community, said:

It has been a privilege to convene this Task Force together with Action for Race Equality and sit with key leaders who have generously brought all of their expertise, experience, and insights together to face into the issue of youth employment, supporting young people from all backgrounds in the UK and breaking down barriers to create pathways into good work. The recommendations from the Task Force are evidence-based and solutions-focused, designed to ensure that no one is left behind. I look forward to working with key stakeholders to bring the recommendations to life.

ENDS

Notes to editor

For further information, please contact Polly Dacam, Senior Public Affairs and Media Officer, on 020 7566 6638.

About Action for Race Equality

Action for Race Equality (ARE) is a national equality charity based in London. Its aim is to end racial disparity across employment, education and the criminal justice system and has been running programmes and projects for Black, Asian, Mixed Heritage and ethnic minority people since 1991. ARE believes that the contribution of all communities makes a nation, builds dynamic local communities, generates wealth and improves wellbeing. 

About Business in the Community

Business in the Community (BITC) champions responsible business as essential for long term economic growth and resilience.   
 
It is the UK’s leading responsible business network, working with companies of all sizes to tackle society’s most pressing challenges from climate change and place-based community regeneration to inequality, workplace wellbeing, and inclusive growth.  
  
Founded by His Majesty King Charles III in 1982, BITC has over four decades of experience in engaging business and delivering measurable impact in both business and in communities through evidence-based interventions. 

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