It doesn't come as a surprise that ethnic minorities, especially Indians, are doing exceptionally well in the UK, grabbing superior roles professionally and succeeding in the educational and economical ladder as well. Although the new government may come across as anti-immigration, limiting the number of immigrants into the UK, the ethnic minorities in the UK have struggled yet surpassed many natives in Britain.
Surveys have revealed that people from ethnic minorities are more likely to secure preeminent professional jobs, such as lawyers, civil servants and doctors, compared to those who are classified a white British.
The 2011 census data showed that ethnic minorities make up 10.3 % of those in elite professional and management roles, which is higher than the 9.8% for white British.
While the figures show the distinctiveness of contemporary Britain, the former Chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Trevor Phillips has warned that there are still major inequalities between the performance of different minorities. He also stated, “Some groups seem, either because of other people's attitudes or their own failure, to be stuck for generation after generation.”
The analysis further revealed that people who were of Indian origin were more successful, with 15.4% employed in occupational groups which were made up of higher managerial, professional and administrative roles. People of Chinese origin came in close, with 12.8%. Men who are from Indian and Chinese ethnicities are twice as likely as White British people to be in a higher managerial role.
While on the other hand, only 6.6% of all Pakistanis and 4.2% of Bangladeshis make it into the same class 1 bracket. For black Africans, it is 7.5% while it is 6.2% for black Caribbeans.
The President of the National Indian Student Union (NISU), Sanam Arora isn't surprised that Indians are thriving and gaining top-notch positions at work. "It is no surprise that ethnic minorities, particularly Indians, are racing ahead in obtaining top jobs. The Indian diaspora is extremely unique and privileged in the sense that it benefits from the perfect combination of Western teaching & work experience and Indian ethos and working practices. Given this ultimate "killer" combination it is hardly surprising then that top jobs are coming our way - survival of the fittest at play again."
41% of doctors in the healthcare sector come from ethnic minority backgrounds, mostly Indians or those who are classed as white other leading in the survey.
While it may seem that the ethnic minorities are striving and blooming in their professional fields, some are yet to achieve the highest employment position in their films. For example, the survey shows that 9.6% of ethnic minorities are in the civil services, yet only 5% are in senior positions.
Lord Dolar Popat believes it is very encouraging to see ethnic minorities doing well in society. He states, "It is very encouraging that so many BME – and particularly British Indian – people are progressing to the top of their professions. I think the marriage of the opportunities this country has given us and our commitment to education, integration and aspiration has helped to foster a culture of success and meritocracy amongst our children."
He further states, "However, I do worry that whilst we outperform many communities in the professions, we still lag behind in civic duty and political engagement. We mustn’t lose sight of the importance of volunteering, philanthropy and important roles like becoming a Councillor. These should be just as important to our country – and our community – as any top role in the City."
Lord Loomba feels extremely proud of hardworking and successful Indians. "Not on the UK but also in many other European countries as well as in the USA top jobs are going to Indians. I am surprised this phenomena is taking place. Indian, whether they are businessman, professionals, doctors or scientists they work hard, diligently and honestly. Majority of them are not chasing money. They are pursuing their career and want to compete well and fairly."
Furthermore, "Although I have lived in the UK for over 50 years my roots are Indian. Therefore, I am very proud of any Indian who has been able to break the glass ceiling and make progress in his or her life."
The Chairman of National Asian Business Association (NABA), Uday Dholakia talks about promoting diversity. "The National Asian Business Association (NABA) have been promoting diversity on boards for some time and across the political parties there is a push to have at least one BAME person on each FTSE Board by 2020. Boards require specific skill sets at the table but achieve added value by bringing diversity of thought to Board discussions. This is achieved by recruiting from a broad range of backgrounds. NABA and Harvey Nash plc, a global recruiter is at the forefront of the inclusion debate and has specifically created its Engage network, connecting business leaders from all cultural backgrounds, to increase its achievement of diversity in its candidate lists."
