The Race Equality Hub which focuses on training, employment and business support for people from black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds in Liverpool city region. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool city region’s Race Equality Hub has secured an extra £2.3m.
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and the Combined Authority have approved the cash for the hub that was set up in 2021 as part of the Race Equality Programme. Overall funding of £3.2m was agreed in July 2021 with approval in principle for this second phase.
One of its first of its kind in the country, the Race Equality Hub focuses on training, employment support and business assistance for people from black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds in Liverpool city region.
It will provide a single point of co-ordination addressing chronic under-representation in the workplace. And its aim is to tackle systemic racial injustice and inequality in the city region.
Mr Rotherham said: “Our region’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths. It enhances our culture, enriches our lives, and makes our area one of the best places in the country to live and work.
“As Mayor, it is my job to harness that creativity and ensure that everyone gets the chance to succeed.
“Yet across our country, and the world, the reality is that not all of our citizens are treated as equals. As Mayor of our great region, I know I am fortunate enough to be able to enact lasting change in our area.”
It is estimated that addressing race inequalities could add around £300m to the Liverpool city region economy each year.
Since initial funding was approved, phase one of the Race Equality Hub project has been completed, led by the Combined Authority. It focused on information gathering, training and raising awareness of existing provision.
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Phase two will identify and develop the type of support needed by businesses and individuals to remove labour market barriers. It will also see the development of the hub’s delivery structure and business plan.
Cllr Janette Williamson, Liverpool City Region Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economy and Third Sector, said: “We know that racial inequality and barriers in the workplace hold back individuals from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
“As a Combined Authority we are committed to ensuring that everyone has an equal chance to succeed and the Race Equality Hub will play a practical role in making that happen.”