Did you know that ‘Traveller’ is an umbrella term that covers a range of ethnic and cultural groups including Gypsies, Roma and Irish Travellers. Also, some of these groups are recognised as Ethnic Minority groups under the Race Relations Act.
It is estimated that there are approximately 300,000 Gypsies and Travellers and 200,000 Roma in the UK.
Here is a great short resource about where Travellers come from, the different groups, how they came to be and where they are now from Travellers Times:
Ever wondered if there’s a Gypsy King or Queen?
Why Gypsy and Traveller people travel?
What language Romany Gypsy people speak?
Then these ‘Frequently Asked Questions‘ from Friends, Families & Travellers is for you!
Do you know who the first Romany Gypsy footballer to play for England was? Or which Irish Traveller singer had her TV debut thanks to the young David Attenborough?
Find out more in this resource pack on famous Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people from Friends, Families & Travellers.
Equality Act 2010
Sadly, Gypsy, Roma, Travellers (GRT) experience a shockingly level of discrimination prejudice and racism in their daily lives.
The National Barometer of Prejudice and Discrimination found that people held the highest level of prejudice towards Gypsies and Travellers out of any protected characteristic group.
English Gypsies and Irish Travellers – Romany Gypsies and Irish Travellers are recognised as two distinct ethnic minority groups in law because they are recognised as members of communities with a shared history, culture and language stretching back over hundreds of years. As such they are granted the full protection of the Equality Act.
Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT) released new research highlighting the prejudice Gypsies and Travellers face in the UK. Conducted by YouGov in 2021 on behalf of FFT, adults across the UK were asked questions based on social factors, including prejudice against Gypsies and Travellers within education, community and economic settings.
Survey results showed that of the general population:
- 45% would be uncomfortable with a Gypsy or Traveller moving next door to them;
- 38% would be uncomfortable with their child meeting up with a Gypsy or Traveller child at their home;
- 33% would be uncomfortable with a family member marrying a Gypsy or Traveller.
In terms of economic exclusion and prejudice, responses showed that:
- 34% would be uncomfortable having a Gypsy or Traveller in their home, in either a social setting or as a tradesperson;
- 22% would be uncomfortable employing a Gypsy or Traveller;
- 34% would not be comfortable buying a service from a small business if they knew the business was run by a Gypsy or Traveller.
These findings provide a shocking yet unsurprising snapshot of the hate and racism that Gypsies and Travellers face in everyday situations.
Report Racism is for anyone that has experienced or witnessed any type of anti-Gypsy Roma Travellerism, abuse, discrimination, harassment or violence.
https://reportracismgrt.com/ (external website)
https://travellermovement.org.uk/equality-and-social-justice-unit (external website)
Below are some useful websites where you can find out more about Travellers, their culture and the issues they face.