http://www.nwda.co.uk/docs/Patrick_White

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

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Long term mental health problems

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Claiming incapacity benefit for mental and behavioural disorders

Second Highest rate for: •

Deaths from cancer and smoking related illnesses

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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

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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