ISLAMABAD: The House of Commons Library in the United Kingdom recently disclosed that the unemployment rate among people of Pakistani origin is the highest among all ethnic groups in the country.
In the UK, the unemployment rate for October to December 2022 stood at 3.8%, with the white population at 3.1%. However, for all other racial groups, the rate was notably higher at 7.5%, and the population of Pakistani origin experienced the highest unemployment rate, reaching 8.7%.
The organization’s report also highlights that the highest employment rates are observed among youth and women.
The Pakistani community, the second-largest minority group in the UK, initially arrived after the Second World War when the nation was undergoing post-war reconstruction and needed labor. Since then, a significant number of Pakistanis have chosen to make the UK their home.
The UK government acknowledges the Pakistani community’s contribution to the country’s development and construction. However, many Pakistanis tend to reside in their own communities, primarily for cultural and traditional reasons.
Statistics from the report reveal that there are approximately 1.4 million unemployed individuals aged 16 to 24 in the UK, with about 20% of the young Pakistani-origin population experiencing unemployment, representing the highest number in this category. In contrast, young individuals of Indian and Chinese origin surpass other minority groups in terms of employment.
Among women, the unemployment rate is notably high for those of Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin, hovering at around 11 percent.
Young Pakistanis are the Least Productive in UK
BBC Urdu interviewed residents of Pakistani origin in Alford, a bustling area in east London, inquiring about the reasons behind higher unemployment rates among Britons of Pakistani origin compared to other communities.
One citizen suggested that a lack of education might be a contributing factor. They mentioned, “When they come to this country, they may not be as educated, and education is very important to thrive and succeed here.”
Another citizen offered an explanation, stating that Pakistanis may not be as supportive of women seeking employment compared to other communities.
A member of the Pakistani community acknowledged, “We do not support each other.”
A woman pointed out that when Pakistanis apply for jobs, even if they secure an interview, they often struggle with their English-speaking skills during the interview.
Dardana Ansari emphasized the importance of the government comprehending and addressing the unemployment issue effectively. If not, she noted, the problem is likely to persist.
