Campaign group People Like Us pursue fairer opportunities for workers from minority backgrounds

THE Black Lives Matter movement changed how the world thinks about race – but how has it affected opportunities for workers from minority ethnic backgrounds?

While two-thirds of London workers believe diversity is a higher priority now for their employer, just 28 per cent outside the capital agree.

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That is according to People Like Us, a campaign group founded by Darain Faraz and Sheeraz Gulsher to help youngsters from minority backgrounds get into media and marketing roles.

But now it wants to take its non-profit events into more sectors.

The events feature ten speakers who each get three minutes to talk before a diverse audience about work they are proud of.

Attendees might be job hunters, people there to network and mentor or employers.

Darain, 41, says: “What we’ve seen since starting our journey has been remarkable — inspiring speakers, volunteers and businesses coming together.

Sheeraz, 30, adds: “BLM has made the world examine the challenges facing those from minority backgrounds.

“The impact on the UK workforce, while gradual, is vital in creating fairer opportunities.”

The next People Like Us event is on August 12 at King’s Cross in central London. See plu.org.uk.

‘Celebrating diversity’

CHIRAG Savjani landed a role as a data analyst with Apple after attending a People Like Us event while unemployed.

Chirag, 26, from Crawley in West Sussex, says: “The event helped boost my confidence. Soon afterwards, I was approached by a recruiter.

“Then, after securing my offer with Apple, my People Like Us mentor gave me some negotiating tips I will remember for ever.

“Each event is full of inspiring, diverse talent and leaders looking to change the narrative by celebrating diversity.”

Be a Co-operative

HELP beat the pingdemic. The Co-op is recruiting more than 3,000 colleagues for temporary and permanent roles to keep depots at capacity and stores stocked.

Jobs are available both in stores and logistics.

If you don’t have a CV, free help is available on The Co-op’s website to build one for your application.

Search for your local role at jobs.coop.co.uk.

Isle get cooking

LIFE’S a beach on sunny Jersey and Guernsey.

Posh pub chain the Liberation Group is hiring general managers, assistant managers and chefs in the Channel Islands.

Accommodation is provided with each job, as is career development support, a competitive salary and an island “buddy” to help you settle into life off the mainland. Some roles also feature a relocation allowance.

Liberation Group chief exec Jonathan Lawson said: “We have some incredible vacancies to fill, so this is a real career-defining opportunity to work with us on these wonderful islands.”

Apply now at harri.com/liberation-group–careers.

Find the ‘why’ to win big

JACK GREEN, who ran for Team GB at the London and Rio Olympics, has used his experience to go for gold  . . . at work.

After being diagnosed with depression and anxiety, he became head of performance at Champion Health. Jack, who was a 400m hurdler, says: “For too long, wellbeing and performance have been viewed as opposite ends of the spectrum. In reality, they go hand in hand.”

Here are his top tips for work:

• Focus on the personal and the professional will thrive. Prioritising work at the expense of your wellbeing is counter-productive. If you are happy, the effects will filter through to your professional life.
• Measure yourself on effort, not results. No athlete is a superstar who wins every day. Aim to be consistent in your effort and accept that some days are better than others.
• Find your “why”. For a long time, I didn’t run because I wanted to, but because I was expected to. But external motivation is temporary. Instead discover what aligns with your values – your “why”. It will keep you going in tough times.
• Failure is a non-negotiable part of success. Falling short is not a threat but a challenge, a chance to learn.
• Control the controllable. At London 2012, I was fearful of not living up to expectations – but this is exhausting. Focus only on what makes you a high performer and the things you can control.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk