Ethnicity in context, labour market overview

There were just over 7 million people of working age in the UK that were from BAME groups in 2023 - i.e. 17% of the total working age population at that time (in this instance encompassing those aged 16-64).

Amongst the BAME population, 69% were in work, 26% were classed as inactive and 5% were unemployed (compared with figures of 77%, 20% and 3% respectively for those of white ethnicity).

Ethnicity and economic activity of the working-age population (2023)

Source: Analysis of ONS Quarterly Labour Force Survey by BCS
* includes a small number of individuals in work but not as employees / self-employed (i.e., <1% of the total)

The proportion of individuals in work accounted for by BAME groups was 16% in 2023 as was the case for employees. Representation amongst the self-employed was slightly lower at 14%.

The level of representation for BAME groups was higher when considering individuals who were either unemployed (i.e. 28% of the total) or economically inactive (21%).