Funding is set to be invested in boosting job opportunities for minorities, as well as links being made with the Travelling community

Millions of pounds is to boost job opportunities for ethnic minorities.

The Scottish Government has unveiled a race equality action plan which aims to help address inequalities in society.

The plancontains more than 120 actions spanning employment, education, health, housing, poverty, community cohesion and safety for all minority ethnic communities in Scotland.

This includes the promotion of the workplace equality fund, a £500,000 pot for groups which help people overcome employment barriers. There will also be tailored employment support for refugees and asylum seekers, backed by £2.6 million from the equality fund.

A ministerial working group which aims to support Scotland’s Gypsy/Traveller community, one of the most marginalised in society, is also set to be formed.

Equalities secretary Angela Constance said: “We know that minority ethnic communities are disproportionately affected by poverty and unemployment despite having the highest levels of educational attainment and other barriers in health and housing need to be addressed.

“Our action plan shows our leadership in this area to advance race equality but this isn’t the job of government alone and all society must play their part in removing the barriers faced by our minority ethnic communities.”