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Prime Minister commissions Performance and Innovation Unit project on ethnic minority communities (21/03/2001)

The Prime Minister has asked the Performance and Innovation Unit (PIU) to undertake a new project to draw together a clearer shared understanding across government of the current position and prospects of ethnic minority communities and to make recommendations about future policies. The project will have a particular focus on labour market issues.

Commenting on the background to the new PIU project, Tony Blair said:

'An inclusive society is one of this Government's highest priorities. Some ethnic minority communities and individuals within them are highly successful, whilst others continue to suffer from a range of problems and lack of opportunities. We need to improve the effectiveness of our policies in tackling these problems - particularly those related to the labour market - while also learning why some communities have been more successful.'

Whilst the overall picture is complex, ethnic minority communities are experiencing a widening variety of outcomes in areas such as health, education and employment.

The PIU study will focus on a few key policy areas where major inequalities currently exist. They will also look at the broader lessons to be learnt from the most successful ethnic minority communities.

Further details on the scope of the project will be made available in early summer.

Notes for editors

Information about past and current PIU projects can be found on their website: www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/innovation
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