What is clear from national and Regional data is the continuing extent of discrimination both within and outside the workplace. Unemployment rates, training participation and earnings for ethnic minority groups are lower than their white counterparts in the UK in general and in the North East in particular.

As a part of the process of building links with the black minority ethnic (BME) community to tackle these problems this report was commissioned by the Northern TUC to establish a base line for building effective relationships of mutual benefit.  It is based on an interview programme with key individuals who, through their BME group association, had access and knowledge of the regional BME communities. The overall aim was to provide a series of gateways into the regional network of BME groups to facilitate mutual engagement.

There were two main areas of discussion with BME representatives, firstly the extent of BME group and community engagement with trade unions. Secondly a discussion of how this area could be developed in the future. The findings are discussed under the two main headings of Obstacles to Engagement and Developing the Relationship.

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