Islamophobia has been in full force in the West, and Islamophobes are not holding back in expressing their hate with acts of violence.

But, apart from the direct effects of anti-Muslim sentiment, the hate has been exhibited less evidently in the workplace.

A research for the English government's social mobility watchdog, wihch was published in the Guardian, found that qualified Muslims in the United Kingdom are being held back in the job market due to Islamophobia and racism.

The research found that Muslims exhibit "strong work ethic and high resilience," resulting in "impressive results in education."

But, this is not being translated in the workplace. Why? Islamophobia.

Source: The Guardian

According to the study, Muslim men and women are being denied jobs despite having the required skills and qualifications.

The results are evident in numbers, as 19.8% of Muslims aged 16-to-74 have full-time jobs, compared with 34.9% of the total population.

Naturally, Muslims are struggling to reach high ranks in their respective professions, with 6% of Muslims reaching higher managerial, administrative and professional occupations, in comparison to 10% of the national population.

As a result, Muslims are facing higher rates of poverty, with 50% of Muslim households considered to be poor, while less than 20% of the overall population is in poverty. 

Not only wearing a hijab but simply having an "ethnic-sounding" name can cost you a job opportunity

Hijabi working
Source: Shutterstock

The study pinpoints several causes behind Muslims' struggles in the job market, one of which has to do with how evident one's religion is. 

Apart from wearing headscarves, for which employers can legally refuse a prospective employee, simply having an "ethnic-sounding" name can reduce the possibility of a Muslim securing a job interview. 

When it comes to the headscarf, Europe's top court issued a ruling earlier this year that allows employers to ban workers from wearing any "visible religious symbols," including the hijab.

"Muslims are being excluded, discriminated against or failed at all stages of their transition from education to employment"

The discrimination begins in the schoolrooms, as Muslim students face "stereotyping and low expectations from teachers and a lack of Muslim staff or other role models in the classroom."

Professor Jacqueline Stevenson, who works that the university that led the research, said:

"Muslims are being excluded, discriminated against or failed at all stages of their transition from education to employment. Taken together, these contributory factors have profound implications for social mobility."