Ethnic minority perceptions of the pandemic

The Race Disparity Unit (RDU) collects, analyses and publishes government data on the experiences of people from different ethnic backgrounds to help government departments develop and monitor policies to reduce disparities.

In June 2020, the Minister for Equalities, Kemi Badenoch MP, was asked to investigate the disparate impact of COVID-19 on ethnic minorities. The RDU, supporting her in this work, commissioned Basis Social to carry out research into people's perceptions, opinions and attitudes towards different aspects of the pandemic. This included an online survey of 1,500 people.

Alongside publication of the Minister for Equalities' final report to the Prime Minister on COVID-19 disparities, we are pleased to make our final report available to read and download here. The report identifies valuable learnings for the future not just in terms of pandemic responses but more broadly how to bring an understanding of ethnic minorities into wider public policy and communications, including levelling-up activity.