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UK universities' BME staff less likely to hold top jobs UK universities' BME staff less likely to hold top jobs
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Black and minority ethnic (BME) academic staff at UK universities are paid less than their white counterparts and are considerably less likely to hold the most senior jobs, analysis shows.Black and minority ethnic (BME) academic staff at UK universities are paid less than their white counterparts and are considerably less likely to hold the most senior jobs, analysis shows.
Research by the University and College Union found that BME university staff faced a pay gap of 9% compared with their white colleagues, and black staff a 14% gap.Research by the University and College Union found that BME university staff faced a pay gap of 9% compared with their white colleagues, and black staff a 14% gap.
Black academic staff are severely under-represented in the most senior academic roles, according to the UCU. One in nine white academic staff (11%) hold top positions as professors, compared with one in 33 (3%) of their black counterparts.Black academic staff are severely under-represented in the most senior academic roles, according to the UCU. One in nine white academic staff (11%) hold top positions as professors, compared with one in 33 (3%) of their black counterparts.
The research found that 84% of academic staff in UK higher education and 93% of university professors were white.The research found that 84% of academic staff in UK higher education and 93% of university professors were white.
White academic staff take home an average of just over £49,000 a year, while black academic staff average just over £42,000.White academic staff take home an average of just over £49,000 a year, while black academic staff average just over £42,000.
Prof Kalwant Bhopal, the deputy director of the Centre for Research in Race and Education at Birmingham University, said: “These findings are very depressing. They are not new but should be a wake-up call for universities.Prof Kalwant Bhopal, the deputy director of the Centre for Research in Race and Education at Birmingham University, said: “These findings are very depressing. They are not new but should be a wake-up call for universities.
“If universities are serious about inclusion, social justice and equality then surely the time has come for the race equality charter to be mandatory and directly linked to research funding – and for universities to address the perpetuation and reinforcement of white privilege that continues in higher education.”“If universities are serious about inclusion, social justice and equality then surely the time has come for the race equality charter to be mandatory and directly linked to research funding – and for universities to address the perpetuation and reinforcement of white privilege that continues in higher education.”
The UCU research, based on analysis of the 2017-18 Higher Education Statistics Agency staff record, confirmed that British universities continued to make slow progress in promoting black and other minority ethnic staff to senior positions and ensure pay equality.The UCU research, based on analysis of the 2017-18 Higher Education Statistics Agency staff record, confirmed that British universities continued to make slow progress in promoting black and other minority ethnic staff to senior positions and ensure pay equality.
Among other findings, the UCU analysis established that Asian academic staff were also lagging behind white academics in terms of promotion, with one in 15 (7%) holding professorships. Asian academics were also paid less than their white counterparts, though more than black colleagues, at just under £44,890.Among other findings, the UCU analysis established that Asian academic staff were also lagging behind white academics in terms of promotion, with one in 15 (7%) holding professorships. Asian academics were also paid less than their white counterparts, though more than black colleagues, at just under £44,890.
The UCU general secretary, Jo Grady, said: “These figures lift the lid on the extent of the race pay gaps in universities and the lack of representation of BME staff at the top level. It is going to take systematic change and some difficult conversations if we are going to make any headway.”The UCU general secretary, Jo Grady, said: “These figures lift the lid on the extent of the race pay gaps in universities and the lack of representation of BME staff at the top level. It is going to take systematic change and some difficult conversations if we are going to make any headway.”
The union is balloting its members on possible strike action over pay and conditions including pensions. “Universities need to work with us to address the issue and recognise that they will need to transform their practices to implement real change for BME staff,” said Grady.The union is balloting its members on possible strike action over pay and conditions including pensions. “Universities need to work with us to address the issue and recognise that they will need to transform their practices to implement real change for BME staff,” said Grady.
The Universities and Colleges Employers’ Association (UCEA) welcomed the UCU analysis and acknowledged there was significant work to be done to address issues related to representation and progression for BME staff in academic and professional service roles. A spokesman agreed the race equality charter should play an important role.
He said: “As part of our 2019-20 pay offer UCEA proposed joint work with the higher education unions to understand ways in which the actions and interventions by employers may differ from those designed to address the gender pay gap, whether the experiences of staff from different Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are influencing interventions, and the intersectionality with gender.”
The lack of BME academic staff, particularly in senior roles, is seen as a major problem by many BME students. A recent report by Universities UK, the umbrella organisation representing the sector, found that while progress had been made in tackling sexual harassment on campus, far less had been done to deal with racial harassment.The lack of BME academic staff, particularly in senior roles, is seen as a major problem by many BME students. A recent report by Universities UK, the umbrella organisation representing the sector, found that while progress had been made in tackling sexual harassment on campus, far less had been done to deal with racial harassment.
Last week Goldsmiths, University of London published a damning report showing that BME students feel victimised and unsafe on campus. The report said that 45% of students at Goldsmiths were from minority backgrounds and some said they had frequently experienced both overt and indirect racism from their white peers and white staff and did not trust the university to handle complaints.Last week Goldsmiths, University of London published a damning report showing that BME students feel victimised and unsafe on campus. The report said that 45% of students at Goldsmiths were from minority backgrounds and some said they had frequently experienced both overt and indirect racism from their white peers and white staff and did not trust the university to handle complaints.
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