Sources of total weekly gross household income: by ethnic group of head of household, 2000/01
Minority ethnic groups have lower levels of household income than the White population. This pattern reflects considerable variation in the main sources of income.
Pakistani and Bangladeshi households were heavily reliant on social security benefits – which made up nearly a fifth (19 per cent) of their income. Benefits were also a considerable source of income for the Black group (15 per cent).
Pakistani and Bangladeshi households were the least likely to obtain income from earnings, reflecting their higher unemployment rates. Wages and salaries made up only around a third (36 per cent) of their total household income, whereas for other groups this proportion was around two-thirds.
Pakistani and Bangladeshi households were much more reliant on earnings from self-employment than other groups. Over a third of their total income came from this source compared with 13 per cent for Indians and around a tenth or less for other groups.
Pensions accounted for around 5 per cent of household income for each of the minority ethnic groups compared with 13 per cent for White people. This reflects the older age structure of the White population.
The "other sources" bar in the chart also includes investments and tax credits.
Source: Family Resources Survey, Department for Work and Pensions 2000/01.
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Geography