Introduction

In this chapter we will discuss the extent to which British Muslims have faced problems of integration into the work environment. We draw both on analyses of large-scale quantitative data sets and on our own and others' qualitative research on employees' and employers' motives, beliefs, aspirations and experiences relating to the employment of Pakistani Muslim ethnic minorities. While there are many studies examining the quantitative evidence of ethnic minorities' employment disadvantage, there are far fewer studies exploring British Muslims' experiences within the labour market. By exploring both the quantitative and qualitative data we hope to build up a more comprehensive picture of British Muslims' integration into the work environment.

The chapter is organised into two sections. In the first we discuss the quantitative evidence concerning British Muslims' employment and the types of explanation that are advanced for the differential success of distinct ethnic minority groups. In particular, we address the question of whether differences between the employment experiences of British Muslims and those of non-Muslims relate to differences in the success of particular ethnic minority groups as compared with other groups, including the white British majority, or are linked to religious affiliation. In the second section we draw on our own research with Pakistani Muslims to discuss the processes that may underlie these differences.