YOUNG Asians in Pendle have been urged to take part in a survey to pinpoint the barriers preventing them from getting jobs.

The survey will be based on a questionnaire currently being circulated around the borough.

It has been organised by the Action Research project, set up to discover why young Asians have a far worse unemployment rate that other people in the borough, and aims to gather as much information as possible from the ethnic community.

Ian Hill, of East Lancashire Careers Service, said: "The questionnaire was designed after long and detailed discussions with young Asians and community organisations in the area.

"To maximise its impact and potential I feel that it is essential that all young Asians in Pendle participate by completing one."

Nasir Ilyas, from Action Research, added: "This survey provides a unique opportunity for young Asian people to express their views on matters relating to employment and I would like to encourage all young Asian people between the ages of 16 and 24 to obtain a copy."

A survey in 1991 found unemployment amongst young Asians was running at twice the rate of their white counterparts.

Copies of the survey are available until the end of June through community outlets such as Nelson and Brierfield libraries, Nelson and Colne and Burnley colleges, the youth and community service and a number of ethnic community groups. The questionnaire is also available by contacting Nasir on 01282 870449.

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