“Ethnic penalty” on job seekers

A lack of social networks is a major barrier for ethnic minorities seeking work.

A study by Dr Reza Hasmath of the University of Melbourne examined why highly qualified ethnic minorities struggle to find high-paying employment. The study revealed two thirds of all job openings are found through social networks. This means that limited social interaction with the wider community has bearing on a person’s ability to access job information across different fields.

Dr Hasmath said government intervention, possibly in the form of tax incentives to promote employment equity in the private sector, could be necessary to level the playing field.