March 8, 2024 International Women’s Day: Afro-Caribbean Women, over 50’s Unemployment in UK Sectors
March 8th 2024, celebrates International Women’s Day.
The importance of recognising International Women’s Day each year – to raise awareness of the need for change and progress wherever you are in the world.
One of the key elements, I gained from working with women (Coaching Back to Work project) helped individuals identify their wellbeing challenges in the areas of psychology, fitness, eating habits and relaxation. The study revealed how women could re-start their career or start a business with wellbeing in mind. Additionally, the project identified that coaching support created a positive impact – highlighting the importance for building supportive and collaborative relationships with stakeholders, providers, work coaches and managers.
There are questions that need to be addressed, mainly the under-representation of Afro-Caribbean women over 50.
Although, the contributions of women over 50 – identified as – from Afro/African/Caribbean/Black British backgrounds – having made significant contribution in UK industries, much of the significance represented by data and monitoring appears to be missing?
UK Workorce
Women over 50 from Afro-Caribbean backgrounds represent 2.5% of the total UK female population.
Unemployment rate in London, UK: Afro/African/Caribbean/Black British backgrounds
“The 6.2% unemployment rate for Black/African/Caribbean/Black British women is more than double the 3.4% unemployment rate for women from other ethnic groups. This disparity highlights the challenges that older Black/African/Caribbean/Black British women face in the labor market”.
Online References
Labour Market Statistics, January 2021 – Office for National Statistics (ONS)
Ethnicity and National Identity in England and Wales – Office for National Statistics (ONS)
UK Labour Market: February 2021 – Office for National Statistics (ONS)
How effectively have UK Government Policies addressed the following over the last 50 years?
- Created more inclusive work opportunities for women over 50 identified as Black, African, Caribbean, Black British backgrounds
- Why is there lack of support for women over 50 identified as Black, African, Caribbean, Black British backgrounds who face challenges finding adequate support networks for mentorship and /sponsorship opportunities to help navigate their career choices
- Why are the statistics either missing, low or unrepresented for women over 50 identified as Black, African, Caribbean, Black British backgrounds
- Why are there significant pay disparities between Afro-Caribbean women and their counterparts in the UK, highlighting issues of economic inequality within the workforce
- Why are there barriers for Afro-Caribbean women over 50 accessing equal opportunities for employment promotion
- Why are the voices of women over 50 identified as Black, African, Caribbean, Black British backgrounds – not being heard
Health and Social Care
Higher proportion of Afro-Caribbean women in this industry sector.
Different factors: job availability, flexible working, voluntary working preferred (to be being employed)?
Education
A “moderate” presence for Afro-Caribbean women over 50. Although some progress, more work needs to be done to support career progression and, leadership roles.
Public Admin and Defence
Lower percentage of Afro-Caribbean women over 50 compared to the UK average.
Afro-Caribbean Women over 50 age group, Unemployment in UK Sectors:
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
Lack of data
Individuals from ethnic minorities working in this sector is low.
Manufacturing
Unemployment rate for Black, African, Caribbean, Black British ethnic group aged 50 plus 6.7% compared to 3.4% for white ethnic group.
Electricity, Gas, Steam and Air – Conditioning Supply
Lack of data.
Individuals from ethnic minorities working in this sector is low.
Construction
Unemployment rate for Black, African, Caribbean, Black British ethnic group aged 50 plus 9.39% compared to 4.2% for white ethnic group.
No data for women over 50.
Wholesale and Retail Trade: Repair of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles
Unemployment rate for Black, African, Caribbean, Black British ethnic group aged 50 plus 7.3% compared to 3.9% for white ethnic group.
No data for women over 50.
Transportation and Storage
Unemployment rate for Black, African, Caribbean, Black British ethnic group aged 50 plus 8.6% compared to 3.7% for white ethnic group.
No data for women over 50.
Afro-Caribbean Women, over 50’s Unemployment in UK Sectors.