This report notes that Muslim people suffer the greatest economic disadvantages of any group in UK society. Unemployment rates for Muslims are more than twice that of the general population (12.8 per cent compared to 5.4 per cent) and 41 per cent are economically inactive, compared to 21.8 per cent of the general population. The disadvantage is greater still for Muslim women: 65 per cent of economically inactive Muslims are women. This inquiry has found the reasons behind this to be varied and complex. They include: discrimination and Islamophobia, stereotyping, pressure from traditional...  [+] Show more

This report notes that Muslim people suffer the greatest economic disadvantages of any group in UK society. Unemployment rates for Muslims are more than twice that of the general population (12.8 per cent compared to 5.4 per cent) and 41 per cent are economically inactive, compared to 21.8 per cent of the general population. The disadvantage is greater still for Muslim women: 65 per cent of economically inactive Muslims are women. This inquiry has found the reasons behind this to be varied and complex. They include: discrimination and Islamophobia, stereotyping, pressure from traditional families, a lack of tailored advice around higher education choices, and insufficient role models across education and employment.

The report concludes that the UK government's commitment to tackling disadvantage for Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) people must be coupled with a coherent cross-government strategy focused on specific groups, including Muslims, and recommends that a plan should be developed by the end of 2016.

Edited excerpts from publication.