Priority groups

The toolkits address priority groups of people, whom the Mayor of London and the GLA have evaluated as facing higher workforce inequality than other demographic groups in London. The Priority Groups are:

• Black men aged 16 – 24 and 50+
• Black women
• Pakistani women
• Bangladeshi women

Also, within each of these groups, those with a disability, whether visible or hidden and people from the C2, D and E socio-economic groups are a particular priority.

Although designed to specifically address workforce barriers faced by the Priority Groups, many of the interventions can be tailored to assist other groups of people or be used more generally to increase diversity and inclusion in your organisation.

London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, but it also has significant inequalities, especially in terms of access to skills and labour market opportunities. For example, employment rates vary considerably by parental status, qualification and skills level, ethnicity, gender, age, disability and between local areas.

Supporting employers to take action to attract and retain people from the Priority Groups gives employers access to talented people who may otherwise face significant workplace barriers. When implemented effectively other benefits follow, including a more inclusive workplace, more effective succession planning, increased creativity and innovation, improved morale and productivity and, consequently, a positive impact on revenue.