From Leeds U: Union decline and voice among minority ethnic workers: do community-based social networks help to fill the gap?

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22512045

Urban Stud. 2012;49(3):613-30.

Union decline and voice among minority ethnic workers: do community-based social networks help to fill the gap?

Holgate J, Pollert A, Keles J, Kumarappan L.

Source

Leeds University, UK.

Abstract

This paper reports on a study of the experiences of minority ethnic workers in seeking advice and support for workplace problems. Our focus on three minority ethnic groups (Kurdish, Black Caribbean and South Asian) in three specific localities of London is unique in that it provides new micro-level qualitative data on whether or not local social networks are utilised to assist with employment problems. The research explores workers’ knowledge of what employment advice is available in their localities and their experiences of seeking advice. Interviewees included community advice workers, trade unionists, lawyersand funding bodies about the extent of local employment provision. The findings show that there are few places to turn and a dearth of individual employment advice.