Employment opportunities for Muslims in the UK

On 25 January 2016 the Women and Equalities Select Committee announced its inquiry considering the barriers and discrimination faced by Muslims in employment and the workplace, and what can be done to overcome them.

Of all religious groups, Muslims have the lowest employment rate at 47.2%, and the highest pay gap compared with those of no religion, earning 22.5% less. Only 16% are in managerial and professional roles, against an average of 30% of the general population.

The committee invited submissions that addressed the following points:

• How prevalent are direct and indirect discrimination towards Muslims in the workplace?
• How effective are current formal and informal remedies for cases involving discrimination against Muslims in the workplace?
• What are the specific challenges facing Muslim women in employment and the workplace?
• What barriers to accessing training and employment support exist for Muslims?
• How effectively are employers accommodating the needs of Muslim employees?
• What are the barriers to recruitment, retention and progression for Muslim employees in professional and managerial roles?
• What initiatives have been successful in tackling barriers to employment faced by Muslims?