Diversity in the Northwest Setting the Scene Patrick White Executive Director of Policy Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA)
Diversity in the Northwest
• Set the scene for our discussions today • Set out the challenges for the Northwest • Suggest the implications for future priorities
Diversity in the Northwest - Issues
• Our Changing Population • Education and Skills • Employment and Worklessness • Inequality of Opportunity
Ageing
• Northwest population will be 7.7million by 2031 • 17% under 15years • 22% 65years and over • 300,000 will be 85 and over
Cultural Diversity • Ethnic minority population 7.2% in 2006 to 9.7% in 2032 • Ethnic Minority Age Profile is younger than white population • Contribute £1.6bn to the regional economy • Greater Manchester is most ethnically diverse sub region • Cumbria is the least ethnically diverse sub region • Faith groups – 7% of pop in 2007 vs. 4% in 2002
International Migration • Substantial inflows of Migrants to the Northwest – following EU expansion • Population of migrants in all parts of the region
• Employed within low skilled occupations • But not poorly skilled
Health and Health Inequalities Highest rate compared to other regions for: •
Deaths from heart disease and stroke
•
Long term mental health problems
•
Claiming incapacity benefit for mental and behavioural disorders
Second Highest rate for: •
Deaths from cancer and smoking related illnesses
•
Deaths from suicide in males
And: •
9% (400,000) on incapacity benefit
•
16% of people on other benefits
•
In 2007, 20% working age population registered disabled compared to 17.9% nationally
•
25% of children in poverty compared to 22% nationally
Educational Attainment and Skills • 5+ GCSEs or equivalent from 49% in 2002 to 60% in 2007 • 9% of 16 and 17 year olds not in employment, education or training • In 2007 64% of all working age had a qualification at NVQ level 2 or above, similar to England average • Proportion of working age with no qualification fallen from 19% in 2001 to 15% in 2007
Employment and Worklessness • Employment rates NW - 70% in 1997 to 72% in 2007 England - 74% to 75%. • In BME population: 54% compared to 60% • Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities 59% for men and 28% for women • 69% of women working compared with 65% in 1997. • 10% of women employed as managers or in senior positions. • 43% of disabled people in work compared to 51% nationally. • 89% of workless adults are White, British
Economic Impact • Women: £12bn • BME: £6bn • Disabled: £7bn • Older workers: £8bn
Future Priorities Education, Skills and Business • Tackle low skills and attainment • Encourage individuals and businesses to develop new skills • Ensure sufficient and appropriate ESOL provision • Target business start-ups and support • Help business understand the benefits of a diverse workforce
Future Priorities Infrastructure & services • Respond to in-migration • Enable sustainable and affordable travel to work • Ensure public services are flexible, responsive and customer-driven Culture & community cohesion • Foster a culture where diversity is valued and celebrated