The Under-Pensioned: Ethnic Minorities Mubeen Bhutta Policy and - PDF document

The Under-Pensioned: Ethnic Minorities Mubeen Bhutta Policy and Communication Officer PRIAE 3 rd March 2004 About PRIAE • Independent charity established in 1998 • Working in the UK and Europe to improve income, pensions, health, social care and housing, and quality of life for black and minority ethnic older people • Leads on research projects, service developments, information, policy responses, training and consultancy • A unique body working in this area 1

Demographic Change 30 White 25 All BME groups 20 15 10 5 0 0-14 15.29 30-44 45-64 65-74 75+ England and Wales - breakdown of population by age and ethnic group Source: PRIAE analysis of 2001 Census Low earnings • BME communities have lower earnings throughout working life • Older workers face ‘double disadvantage’ 60 50 40 30 20 Bottom quintile of 10 income distribution 0 Irish Indian Top quintile of White Pakistani/Ba Caribbean ngladeshi Black income distribution Indicators of economic resources, at 60+ years, by ethnicity Source: Evandrou, M (2000) 2

Long Term Unemployment • Unemployment rates higher for BME groups at all ages • Older BME groups compounded by long-term unemployment 50 40 30 20 16 - 24 10 25 - 34 0 Indian Pakistani/Ban White Black Other 35 - 44 gladeshi 45 - 59/64 Unemployment rates by ethnic group and age Source: PRIAE analysis of Labour Force Survey (1999) Self employment • High levels of self employment in some BME groups • Masking of shortfall in household income 30 25 1998 20 15 1999 10 2000 5 0 n n n i i e n h e t a a a a s s i h e c i e d t e b W i s n r n d i b f i A I k a h i a r l C a g k P C n c a a k B l c B a l B Self employment levels of males by ethnic group Source: Cabinet Office (2003) 3

Other Factors • Late entry • Post-war colonial progression • ‘age bulge’ identified by PRIAE • Remittance payments Communication • The Pension Service • BME voluntary organisations • Financial services industry 4

Conclusion • PRIAE concurs with the PPI’s conclusion that ‘recent reforms to the current pension system will not resolve the under- pensioned problem’ Minority Elderly Care Project • First Europe-wide research project in this area • Covering elders from 26 minority groups in the UK, France, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Finland, Switzerland, Hungary, Croatia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina • Will produce key data in terms of health and social care, access and income, and gaps in services • Due for release later in 2004 5