Bid to recognise Sikhs and Jews in ethnic data

BIRMINGHAM could soon recognise Sikh and Jewish ethnicity in council data as part of a groundbreaking move to 'tackle inequalities'.

- ALEXANDER BROCK Local Democracy Reporter

The city council said Birmingham's estimated 2,000-strong Jewish community and over 30,000 Sikh residents made an “enormous contribution” to the city’s culture, diversity and prosperity.

But its current demographics questionnaire does not include specific 'Sikh' and 'Jewish' categories as options for a person's ethnic group.

The Labour group this week tabled a motion which would change the way the authority collects data in the future.

Labour councillors say the historic move would help the council understand its communities better and tackle discrimination.