Action for Race Equality

Empowering Young People who are Black, Asian and of Mixed Heritage

Race Equity in Employment
Task Force

No Talent Wasted.

A roadmap to ending ethnic inequality in youth employment.

read the recommendations

The Race Equity in Employment Task Force began in May 2025 as a new collaborative initiative co-convened by Action for Race Equality and Business in the Community (BITC), and chaired by Andy Burnham during his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester (2017-2026).

It brought together racial justice experts, charity and business leaders, academics and local and national government officials to tackle disparities in employment innovatively and collaboratively.

As of June 2026, we have published our Task Force report, which sets out practical recommendations to ensure thatBlack, Asian and Mixed Heritage young people have equitable access to meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities.

Race Equity in Employment Task Force Report

No Talent Wasted: A roadmap to ending ethnic inequality in youth employment
July 2026

Key

Recommendations…

Set a national target to end racial disparities in youth employment within each region by 2035.
Incentivise employer action through the Growth and Skills Levy
Deliver race equity in employment through a devolved, regional, and local place-based approach
Ensure the Youth Guarantee is responsive to young people’s needs
Create high-quality 16+ pathways aligned to the changing labour market

This report sets out a clear and compelling case for change, grounded in evidence and shaped by the lived experiences of young people across our communities. It highlights the scale of the challenge and the urgency to act.

DownLoAD THE FULL REPORT

A collective responsibility.

We meet at a critical juncture for the UK economy. With over one million young people aged 16–24 currently not in education, employment, or training (NEET), the crisis of youth worklessness is becoming a defining challenge of our time. For Black, Asian and Mixed Heritage young people, these challenges are compounded by ongoing racial discrimination.

This is not only a labour market issue. It is about life chances, progression and fair opportunity. When barriers persist, talent is lost, confidence is eroded, and inequalities become entrenched.

…young people aged 16-24 were not in education, employment or training in January to March 2026 (ONS).
.2%
…was the unemployment rate for people from Black/African/Caribbean backgrounds (highest figure by ethnicity), followed by a 13.2% NEET rate in those from Mixed/Multiple ethnic groups. (YFF)
£ billion
… could be added annually to the UK economy by closing ethnicity participation and pay gaps, according to Business in the Community.

What Young people told us…

“ They say you need experience to get the job, but you can’t get experience without a job.“
Young person, Race Equity in Employment
Report 2026
“A lot of advice cannot be applied practically, much of it is quite generic. Most people already know what to do; help needs to be more specific for different types of applications like internships or work placements.“
Young Person Race Equity in Employment Task Force roundtable, May 2026
“ They’re asking you about your race… your religion… and I’m a proud Muslim, but you know – why are they asking me? It just makes me question things…“
Young person, Race Equity in Employment Task Force roundtable, June 2026
A headshot of a smiling man with short dark hair, wearing a dark navy blazer over a black button-down shirt.
” This initiative is crucial in addressing the barriers faced by
minoritised communities in the workforce. Despite clear evidence on what works, change has been slow, and under-representation and higher unemployment rates remain an issue. This Task Force brings together academic expertise with business leaders and the public sector to design a roadmap for real, lasting change that delivers equal opportunities for all.”
Andy Burnham Chair of the Race Equity in Employment Task Force,
Former Mayor of Greater Manchester (2017-2026)
A headshot of Jeremy Cook, a man with a graying beard and short hair, wearing a dark blazer and light-colored shirt against a modern building background.
” 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.”
Jeremy Crook OBE Chief Executive, Action for Race Equality
A headshot of a smiling Black woman with straight dark hair, draped in a black fabric wrap featuring large, vibrant blue floral patterns against a plain, light background.
“ We are delighted to be working with Action for Race Equality to establish the Race Equity in Employment Task Force. The Task Force will work together to influence the government to improve access to employment opportunities for Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse young people aged 16 to 24. I am certain that this Task Force will be a vital step in the creation of a fairer and more equal working world for ethnically diverse young people.“
Sandra Kerr CBERace Equality Director, Business in The Community

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