Almost half of young black people are jobless, according to analysis by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR).
The analysis found that 48% of black people aged between 16 and 24 are now unemployed, a 13% increase since the recession began, and well over twice as many as white young people (20%).
IPPR’s analysis also found that mixed ethnic groups have seen the biggest overall increases in unemployment, rising from 21% in March 2008 to 35% in November 2009.
The smallest increase, up 6% to 31%, has been among young Asian people. Overall youth unemployment stands at 943,000, the highest for 15 years.
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Lisa Harker, co-director of IPPR, said: “These findings are a worrying reminder that although the recession is affecting all young people, those from ethnic minorities or with fewer qualifications are far more likely to become part of a generation lost to unemployment and disadvantage.
“Extra action should be considered, such as increasing the number of Future Jobs Fund places in disadvantaged areas.”
