On 30 November 2020, Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT) made its submission to the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities’ call for evidence on ethnic disparities and inequality in the UK.
The submission, which can be seen in full here, outlines the significant ethnic disparities and structural inequalities experienced by Gypsy and Traveller people.
Gypsy and Traveller communities face some of the greatest inequalities of any ethnic group in the UK:
- Health – Gypsy and Traveller people are estimated to have life expectancies of between ten and 25 years shorter than the general population;
- Education – Pupils from the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller ethnic groups have the lowest average score in GCSEs of any ethnic group;
- Accommodation – Gypsies and Travellers are more likely to experience housing deprivation than any other ethnic group;
- Social inclusion – 44% of British adults openly express ‘negative’ attitudes toward Gypsies, Roma and Travellers, the most of any protected characteristic group in England.
The Commission’s aim is to address ethnic disparities in education, employment, risk factors and outcomes for different health conditions, and within the criminal justice system.
Partner organisations in the Coalition of Race Equality Organisations (CORE) also submitted to the Commission’s call for evidence.
Speaking about the submission, Sarah Mann, Director at Friends, Families and Travellers:
“The inequalities experienced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people in the UK are extreme, avoidable and wrong. The unequal and unjust distribution of opportunities and resources amongst our society is a cause of great shame. We are calling on the Government to unpick and address the deeply embedded inequalities in the systems and structures which govern us and to make good on its promise of a national strategy to tackle inequalities in Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities which is now overdue.”
Notes for Editor
About Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT)
Friends, Families and Travellers is a leading national charity that works on behalf of all Gypsies, Roma and Travellers regardless of ethnicity, culture or background.
Media Contact
Sami McLaren, Communications Officer
Tel: 07436 228910 Email: sami@gypsy-traveller.org
Relevant Resources
‘Friends, Families and Travellers submission to the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities Call for Evidence on Ethnic Disparities and Inequality in the UK’. November 2020. View here.
