White men in the UK earn on average £9,000 more a year than people from ethnic minority backgrounds, research has revealed today.
The study, from the International Inequalities Institute and Department of Social Policy at the London School of Economics (LSE), showed that women and men from ethnic minority groups would have incomes totalling an extra £127 billion a year if their salaries matched those of white men.
Broadcaster June Sarpong, who commissioned the research, said today: “Unless you are a white British man, working in the UK today means you lose out. These figures demonstrate the urgent need for clear policy from government and business to urgently close the income gap.”
The study found:
- Bangladeshi men and women face the biggest income gap, with the average Bangladeshi man earning £10,000 less than a white male per year.
- Pakistani women fall the furthest behind white men, earning £260 a week less, or £13,561 annually.
- Black Caribbean men earn £72 less per week, compared with white males, while black Caribbean women earn £145 less.
- Chinese men have salaries most closely aligned to white males, receiving around £17 less.
Professor John Hills, of the LSE, said: “There are many reasons why the incomes of women and men from different ethnic groups are behind those of white British men.
“Sometimes it is the choices couples make over caring, and who works part-time. Sometimes it is outright discrimination, where what people get does not fully reflect their roles. But sometimes, it is sheer waste, where people have ended up in jobs where as a country we are not making the best use of their skills and abilities.”
The average white man’s salary, according to the research, is £676 a week, or £35,000 a year.
While differences in qualifications have traditionally been a key contributor to income gaps, white British men currently do not have higher levels of qualifications than most other groups.
Previous research suggests that pay differences persist even when educational qualifications and occupation are controlled.
Sarpong is interviewed in ES Magazine tomorrow.
