Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Tories failing black women as more forced into ‘inhumane’ zero-hours contracts
Hospital workers attend a rally outside the Royal London Hospital, east London, as porters and cleaners start a 2-week strike over pay, January 31, 2022

TORIES have been failing black and ethnic minority (BME) women as new TUC analysis reveals they are now nearly three times more likely to be on zero-hours contracts than white men.

Campaigners blasted politicians today for not doing more to prevent BME women suffering the double pay gap resulting from racism and sexism.

The union body said nearly 150,000 more people were on zero-hours contracts over the last 12 months – but “structural racism in the jobs market” led to the biggest proportional increase being among BME women, with the rate now 6.8 per cent compared to 4.8 per cent of BME men, 4 per cent for white women and 2.5 per cent for white men.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
A portrait of Carmen Esme Munroe, one of ten portraits of Windrush elders that were unveiled during a reception at Buckingham Palace in London, to mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of Empire Windrush to Tilbury Docks in Essex, on June 22 1948
International Women’s Day 2026 / 7 March 2026
7 March 2026

For generations black women have shaped Britain’s activism, arts and public life despite exclusion and discrimination. ZITA HOLBOURNE pays tribute to these political trailblazers and cultural icons, whose courage continues to inspire

A pregnant woman holding her stomach
Healthcare / 26 February 2026
26 February 2026

Investigation reveals NHS maternity services are failing women and babies