Race inequality 'entrenched' in modern Britain, watchdog finds

Black and ethnic minority people still face "entrenched" race inequality across many facets of life in modern Britain, a watchdog claims.

An "alarming picture" exists in areas including education, employment, housing, pay, health and criminal justice according to the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

The reported "underlines just how entrenched and far-reaching race inequality remains" across the UK, the body's chair said.

David Isaac, body chairman, said Britain must "redouble" its efforts to stem race inequality or risk growing divisions across society and racial tensions increasing.

"If you are black or an ethnic minority in modern Britain, it can often still feel like you're living in a different world, never mind being part of a one nation society", he said.

Here are the reports findings:

• Black people in England are more than three times more likely to be a victim of homicide than those who are white

• Unemployment rates are "significantly higher" for ethnic minorities

• Black workers with degrees earn 23.1% less on average than white employees with the qualifications

• Ethnic minority people were more likely to live in poverty than white people;

• Ethnic minorities are still "hugely under-represented" in positions of power - such as judges and police chiefs

Poorer white communities also face "continuing disadvantage", the report added.

The commission said there has been progress in some areas, citing an increase in the number of ethnic minority MPs and a rise in the proportion with a degree-level qualification across all ethnic groups.

Mr Isaac called for the Government to introduce a comprehensive race equality strategy, arguing that the approach in recent years has been "stuttering".