A recent analysis by British workers' federation the Trades Union Congress has revealed a significant imbalance in the prevalence of 'insecure' work among Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) workers compared to their white counterparts in the West Midlands.
According to the research, approximately 12.5% of workers in the region-equivalent to around 351,300 individuals-are engaged in insecure work. This category of employment typically involves lower pay, unpredictable hours, and limited employment protections. Those holding such positions often experience fluctuating shifts and abrupt job loss without prior notice.
This category of employment typically involves lower pay, unpredictable hours, and limited employment protections.
The massive and disproportionate concentration of BME workers in insecure work – like in the Gig economy – is structural racism in action
Those holding such positions often experience fluctuating shifts and abrupt job loss without prior notice.
Highlighting the figure as evidence of the UK becoming a 'nation of insecure jobs' with precarious and low-paid work widespread in all regions and nations, the TUC believes the trend affects nearly 1 in 9 workers or approximately 3.9 million individuals.
According to the researchers, certain sectors manifested a higher prevalence of insecure work, particularly roles in elementary occupations, caregiving and leisure services, and process, plant, and machine operations.
However, the study also reproduced data suggesting the number of BME workers in insecure employment more than doubled between 2011 and the end of 2022, reaching a figure of 836,340 - an increase which has also led to a rise in the proportion of BME workers in insecure jobs, with 1 in 6 workers facing this situation compared to 1 in 8 in 2011.
"The massive and disproportionate concentration of BME workers in insecure work – like in the Gig economy – is structural racism in action," says Lee Barron, TUC Midlands Regional Secretary.
The study links the gig economy to the surge in BME insecure employment, particularly among men in delivery and driving roles.
Given these findings, the TUC emphasizes the need for government intervention to address structural racism and ensure equitable working conditions for all employees.
Recommendations include prohibiting exploitative zero-hours contracts, implementing fair pay agreements, countering fraudulent self-employment, and establishing comprehensive ethnicity monitoring systems.
Barron, says the discovery further emphasises the importance of treating all workers fairly and calls for measures to eliminate exploitation linked to insecure work.
Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect at work.
The TUC's investigation should serves as a clarion call for government intervention to rectify racial inequalities in the job market and promote fair and just working conditions for all employees.
