for diversity

Many of the country's leading employers recognise the business advantages of recruiting a more diverse workforce. In particular, there are some very persuasive reasons for recruiting more Black and Asian graduates.

• Ethnic minority communities are significant consumers with an estimated disposable income of £10 billion a year.  It is quite natural that they will gravitate towards providers of services that reflect their own background and demonstrate an understanding of their needs.

• Overall, people from certain ethnic minority groups have higher educational levels than those of whites.  5% of white men have a degree or an equivalent qualification whilst 7% of African-Asian and Indian origin and 12% of Chinese origin have a degree.

• There is a greater tendency for ethnic minority students to study subjects that lead to professional qualifications e.g. business, computing, law and engineering.

• Diversity means "Diversity of ideas and experience". ethnic minority students often bring experience of two communities, majority and minority.  On a general level this will encourage new perspectives, styles and approaches to problem solving, different viewpoints, skills and varied knowledge.  Specifically, however, this will also assist employers to target consumers from particular ethnic groups by reflecting their appreciation of cultural issues in their marketing for example.