The report, Race to the Top, is based on figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Labour Force Survey and statistics showing the number of Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people in the UK. It is part of BITC's Race for Opportunity campaign, led by Sandra Kerr (pictured).
The report suggests that between 2007 and 2012 the share of BAME people in top management has increased by 0.5%. However, in real terms this is a reduction of 21,645 – from 95,023 to 73,378.
This equates to just one in 16 top management positions, compared to one in 10 BAME people in the UK workforce.
Almost three-quarters (74%) of BAME workers in top management positions work in three sectors. They are:
- Banking and finance
- Distribution, hotels and restaurants
- Public administration, education and health.
Diversity in small business
The number of BAME top managers in 'other services' has shown the biggest growth, at 51%. The fact that this classification included SMEs suggests some workers are looking to start up their own enterprises rather than work within traditional industries.
Appointments of BAME ministers within the Government has also decreased. In 2012/13 only 5.5% of new appointments were from minority backgrounds, compared to 7.2% in 2011/12.
'Glaring injustice'
BITC's Race for Opportunity director Sandra Kerr said that Government and business can't afford to ignore the BAME community, which will account for one in four people in the UK by 2051.
“I am calling on Government for a ‘Lord Davies’ review to amplify understanding around the barriers BAME employees face in reaching management positions," she said. "And for two simple words – 'and race' – to be added to the UK Corporate Governance Code. We urgently need these to happen if we are to ensure that we don’t pass the point of no return.”
PwC partner and Race for Opportunity leadership team member Paul Cleal called the situation "a glaring injustice and critical business issue".
"Firms need to employ and promote the best people available, regardless of ethnicity," he said. "Businesses in multi-ethnic and multicultural Britain need to ensure their workforces are diverse and reflect the demographics of modern society in order to be successful, as well as do the right thing.”
