London (26%), the South East (22%) and the East Midlands (22%) have the highest percentage of women employed in the sector, which is due to the high numbers employed in the aviation industry.

Within the industries women represent:

• majority of the community transport industry
• 37% of the aviation workforce, but are concentrated in roles such as air cabin crew
• 27% of the coach industry
• 22% in driver training
• 18% of transport planning
• 17% in bus and coach industry
• 13% of the rail industry
• 12% of the taxi and private hire industry

Source: GoSkills Skills Needs Assessment (stage 1) 2006a and LMI industry fact sheets 2006

Source: Chart provided by GoSkills (2007).  Data from the Labour Force Survey (2006).

For more information on female employment in the passenger transport sector and predicted trends see:

There will be significant changes in the demographics of the sector over the next 20 years resulting from the increasing average of the population and problems with an aging workforce.

Key statistics:

• 83% of organisation in the community transport industry do not have any employees aged 20-24 years
• 45% of train drivers are aged between 35-44 years
• 40% of the rail workforce is over 45 years of age
• 44% of transport planners are over 50 years of age
• 52% of sole traders are over 55 years of age
• nearly a quarter of workers in the bus industry are aged 55 years plus
• 2% of driver training workforce is under 25 years, 28% are over 55 years

Average age of workforce:

• rail – 39 years
• aviation – 40 years
• bus and coach –  45 years
• taxi and private hire – 47 years
• driver training – 47 years

Within the coach industry there are difficulties recruiting young people because of legislation and high insurance premiums which restrict drivers under the age of 25.

Source: GoSkills Skills Needs Assessment (stage 1) 2006a and LMI industry fact sheets 2006

Source: Chart provided by GoSkills (2007).  Data from the Labour Force Survey (2006).

Key statistics:

• 13% of UK employees are from ethnic minority groups
• 4% are from the Pakistani and Bangladeshi community
• there are significant regional variations – North East 4% and London 6% have a higher proportion of Indian employees

Within the industries ethnic minority groups represent:

• 11% of the aviation industry
• 22% of taxi and private hire industry
• 13% of rail industry, however approximately half of London Underground’s workforce are from Black and Minority Ethnic communities
• 12% of the bus and coach industry
• 1% in driver training

Source: GoSkills Skills Needs Assessment (stage 1) 2006a and LMI industry fact sheets 2006

Source: Chart provided by GoSkills (2007).  Data from the Labour Force Survey (2006).

There seems to be limited data on this dimension of equal opportunities.