The terms “Gypsy,” “Roma,” and “Traveller” are often used to describe diverse ethnic groups with nomadic or mobile lifestyles, though these groups are not monolithic and have distinct histories and identities. Within the UK and Ireland, it’s crucial to recognize the specific differences between these communities, particularly when discussing Romany Irish Travellers. This article delves into the classifications, data availability, and key statistics surrounding Romany Irish Travellers, aiming to provide a comprehensive and SEO-optimized overview for an English-speaking audience.
Classifying Romany Irish Travellers
Data collection in the UK often distinguishes between several groups under the broader umbrella of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller:
- Gypsies: This category includes English Gypsies, Scottish Gypsies or Travellers, Welsh Gypsies, and other Romany people. These groups share a common Romany heritage and language, although with regional variations.
- Irish Travellers: Recognized as a distinct ethnic group with specific Irish origins and a unique culture and language (Shelta).
- Roma: Generally understood as more recent migrants to the UK from Central and Eastern Europe. Roma communities have their own distinct history, language (Romani), and cultural experiences.
- Other Traveller Groups: The term “Traveller” can also encompass groups with nomadic lifestyles but different ethnic or cultural backgrounds, such as New Travellers, Boaters, Bargees, and Showpeople.
It is important to note that while these classifications are used for data collection and policy purposes, they represent real communities with complex identities. Mistakenly grouping them as a single entity can obscure their specific needs and experiences.
The 2011 Census in the UK marked a significant step by including a specific tick box for “Gypsy or Irish Traveller,” acknowledging them as an ethnic group. The 2021 Census further refined this by adding a separate category for “Roma,” recognizing the distinct identity of this group. Despite these advancements, public understanding remains limited. A 2018 YouGov poll revealed that a significant majority (66%) of people in the UK did not correctly recognize GRT as ethnic groups, often perceiving them as a single, undifferentiated population. Accurate categorization in data collection is vital for ensuring that the needs of Romany Irish Travellers and other GRT communities are properly addressed in policy and service provision.
It’s also crucial to understand that government definitions can vary depending on the context. For instance, planning policy in the UK defines “gypsies and travellers” more broadly for the purpose of traveler site provision, encompassing “persons of nomadic habit of life whatever their race or origin.” This definition, while relevant for planning, differs from ethnic classifications used in census data and social research.
Challenges in Data Availability and Quality
Collecting comprehensive and reliable data on Romany Irish Travellers and other GRT communities presents unique challenges. These challenges contribute to a recognized lack of data, as highlighted in a 2019 House of Commons Women and Equalities Select Committee report.
Several factors contribute to these data limitations:
- Small Population Size: Compared to the overall UK population, Romany Irish Travellers and other GRT groups are relatively small. This can lead to small sample sizes in national surveys, making it difficult to draw statistically significant conclusions or produce detailed breakdowns.
- Sampling Variability: Small sample sizes result in wider confidence intervals, reducing the analytical value of survey data. For example, analysis of Annual Population Survey data showed a wide confidence interval for the employment rate of Gypsy and Traveller people, highlighting the uncertainty associated with small sample data.
- Lower Response Rates: Mistrust of official data collection and concerns about how data will be used can lead to lower participation rates from Romany Irish Traveller and GRT communities in surveys. This reluctance to self-identify, even when given the option, further complicates data collection efforts.
- Classification Issues: Historically, and even in some current datasets, consistent and harmonized classifications for GRT groups have been lacking. The absence of specific categories in older datasets (like the 2001 Census) or the aggregation of GRT groups under broader categories (like “White Other”) makes it difficult to track trends and analyze the experiences of specific communities like Romany Irish Travellers over time. The NHS classification system, for example, based on the 2001 Census, does not separately identify GRT groups.
To address these data limitations and improve the evidence base, several strategies are being pursued:
- Harmonized Classifications: Initiatives are underway to promote the use of harmonized classifications for ethnicity data collection across government departments and public bodies. This aims to ensure consistency and comparability of data on GRT groups.
- Census Enhancements: The 2021 Census improvements, such as the separate Roma category, are crucial steps towards more accurate and nuanced data collection.
- Data Linkage: Linking different datasets, such as Census data with health or education records, offers a way to increase sample sizes and improve the reliability of ethnicity coding, particularly for smaller population groups. The ONS linking of Census data to Hospital Episode Statistics is an example of this approach.
- Bespoke Surveys and Sample Boosts: Targeted surveys and sample boosts within existing surveys can be designed to gather more specific information about Romany Irish Travellers and other GRT communities. Bespoke surveys, while potentially limited in geographical scope, can provide valuable in-depth insights.
- Snowball Sampling: This technique, where existing participants refer new participants, can be effective for reaching hidden or hard-to-reach populations like Romany Irish Travellers. Utilizing community leads and cultural mediators can build trust and improve participation in such surveys.
Population Demographics of Romany Irish Travellers
Data from the 2011 Census provides the most comprehensive picture of the Romany Irish Traveller population in England and Wales, although it’s important to remember that these figures are now over a decade old.
In 2011, the Census recorded 57,680 people identifying as Gypsy or Irish Traveller in England and Wales, representing approximately 0.1% of the total population. This made them the smallest of the 18 ethnic groups categorized in the Census. Further analysis of write-in responses provides a more detailed breakdown:
Table A: Gypsy, Roma and Traveller write-in ethnicity responses on the 2011 Census
| Write-in response | 2011 Census population |
|---|---|
| Gypsy or Irish Traveller | 54,962 |
| Traveller | 1,165 |
| Irish Traveller | 52 |
| Gypsy/Romany | 1,712 |
| Welsh Traveller | 37 |
| Scottish Traveller | 2 |
| Gypsy/Traveller | 23 |
| Roma | 730 |
Source: Census – Ethnic group (write-in response) Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, GypsyRomany – national to county (ONS).
It’s important to note that estimates of the wider Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller population in the UK vary considerably, with some sources suggesting figures ranging from 150,000 to 500,000. These discrepancies highlight the challenges in defining and counting these populations accurately.
Geographic Distribution
The 2011 Census data indicated that the Gypsy or Irish Traveller population was relatively evenly distributed across local authorities in England and Wales. The ten local authorities with the largest populations accounted for only 11.9% of the total.
Table 1: Percentage of the Gypsy or Irish Traveller population of England and Wales living in each local authority area (top 10)
| Local authority | Percentage of Gypsy or Irish Traveller people living there | Number of Gypsy or irish Traveller residents |
|---|---|---|
| Basildon | 1.5% | 873 |
| Maidstone | 1.5% | 838 |
| Wiltshire | 1.3% | 757 |
| Swale | 1.3% | 730 |
| Leeds | 1.2% | 687 |
| Cornwall | 1.1% | 635 |
| Bexley | 1.1% | 624 |
| Doncaster | 1.0% | 587 |
| Bromley | 1.0% | 580 |
| Peterborough | 1.0% | 560 |
Basildon and Maidstone had the largest proportions (1.5% each) of the Gypsy or Irish Traveller population. However, a significant number of local authorities (28) had very small populations of Romany Irish Travellers, with fewer than 20 residents each.
Deprivation is also a factor, with a higher proportion (11.7%) of Gypsy or Irish Travellers living in the most deprived 10% of neighborhoods in England compared to the national average (9.9%).
Age Profile
Romany Irish Travellers have a significantly younger age profile compared to the general population in England and Wales.
Table 2: Age profile of Gypsy or Irish Traveller and the England and Wales average
| Age group | All ethnic groups | Gypsy/Irish Traveller |
|---|---|---|
| 85 and over | 2.2% | 0.4% |
| 80 to 84 | 2.4% | 0.6% |
| 75 to 79 | 3.2% | 1.1% |
| 70 to 74 | 3.9% | 1.7% |
| 65 to 69 | 4.8% | 2.2% |
| 60 to 64 | 6.0% | 3.2% |
| 55 to 59 | 5.7% | 3.8% |
| 50 to 54 | 6.4% | 5.1% |
| 45 to 49 | 7.3% | 6.5% |
| 40 to 44 | 7.3% | 7.0% |
| 35 to 39 | 6.7% | 6.8% |
| 30 to 34 | 6.6% | 7.0% |
| 25 to 29 | 6.8% | 7.6% |
| 18 to 24 | 9.4% | 11.4% |
| 15 to 17 | 3.7% | 5.9% |
| 10 to 14 | 5.8% | 9.9% |
| 5 to 9 | 5.6% | 9.5% |
| 0 to 4 | 6.2% | 10.5% |
In 2011, over a third (36%) of the Romany Irish Traveller population was under 18, significantly higher than the national average of 21%. Conversely, a smaller proportion (18.0%) were aged 50 and over, compared to the national average of 35.0%. This younger age profile has implications for service provision, particularly in areas like education and child health.
Family and Household Structures
Romany Irish Traveller households exhibit different family structures compared to the national average. Lone-parent households with dependent children are significantly more common (20.4%) among Romany Irish Travellers than in the general population (7.2%). Overall, households with dependent children are also more prevalent (44.9% vs 29.1%). In contrast, pensioner households are less common (8.4% vs 20.9%). These differences reflect both the younger age profile and potentially cultural norms around family structures within the Romany Irish Traveller community.
Educational Outcomes
Educational attainment levels for Romany Irish Traveller pupils in state-funded mainstream schools in England are significantly lower than the national average across all key stages.
Table 3: Educational attainment among Gypsy, Roma, Irish Traveller and pupils from all ethnic groups
| Ethnic group | Gypsy and Roma | Irish Traveller | All ethnic groups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary educationExpected standard at early years | 19% | 26% | 65% |
| GCSEsGrade 5 and over in English and maths | 8.1% | 20.0% | 49.9% |
| A levelsGrade A or above in 3 subjects | 10.8% | 20.0% | 28.9% |
Source: England, Key Stage 2 Statistics, 2018/19; Key Stage 4 Statistics, 2019/20; and A Level and other 16 to 18 results, 2020/21. Ethnicity facts and figures and Department for Education (DfE).
- Primary Education: In 2018-2019, only 26% of Irish Traveller pupils achieved the expected standard in key stage 2 reading, writing, and maths, compared to 65% of all pupils. Gypsy or Roma pupils had even lower attainment (19%).
- Secondary Education: In 2019-2020, just 20.0% of Irish Traveller pupils achieved a grade 5 or above in GCSE English and maths, significantly below the national average of 49.9%. Again, Gypsy or Roma pupils had a lower rate (8.1%). Romany Irish Traveller pupils, along with Gypsy/Roma pupils, are also less likely to stay in education after GCSEs.
- Further Education: At A-level, 20.0% of Irish Traveller students achieved at least 3 A grades in 2020-2021, compared to a national average of 28.9%. Gypsy or Roma students had a lower rate (10.8%). It is important to note that these A-level figures are based on small numbers and were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in grading.
School exclusion rates are also significantly higher for Romany Irish Traveller pupils. In 2019-2020, suspension rates were 10.12% for Irish Traveller pupils and even higher for Gypsy or Roma pupils (15.28%), the highest rates among all ethnic groups. Permanent exclusion rates were also elevated.
School absence is another major concern. In the autumn term of 2020-2021, over half of Irish Traveller pupils (56.7%) were persistently absent from school, again among the highest rates for any ethnic group. These high absence and exclusion rates contribute to the lower educational attainment observed for Romany Irish Traveller children.
Economic Activity and Employment
Economic activity and employment rates for Romany Irish Travellers aged 16 and over are lower than the national average. In 2011, 47% of Gypsy or Irish Travellers were economically active, compared to 63% across England and Wales. Of those economically active, 51% were employees, 26% were self-employed, and a concerning 20% were unemployed, significantly higher than the national average of 7%.
Socio-economic Group
Table 4: Socio-economic group of Gypsy or Irish Traveller and average for all ethnic groups for people aged 16 and over
| Socio-economic group | Gypsy and Traveller | All ethnic groups |
|---|---|---|
| Higher managerial, administrative, professional | 2.5% | 9.9% |
| Lower managerial, administrative, professional | 8.2% | 20.5% |
| Intermediate occupations | 4.4% | 13.0% |
| Small employers and own account workers | 15.1% | 9.3% |
| Lower supervisory and technical | 4.5% | 7.2% |
| Semi-routine occupations | 11.6% | 14.3% |
| Routine occupations | 14.6% | 11.6% |
| Never worked or long-term unemployed | 31.2% | 5.9% |
| Full-time students | 7.8% | 8.2% |
Source: 2011 Census
A striking 31.2% of Romany Irish Travellers were classified in the “never worked or long-term unemployed” socio-economic group, the highest percentage among all ethnic groups and far exceeding the national average of 5.9%. Conversely, they had the lowest representation in higher socio-economic groups, with only 2.5% in “higher managerial, administrative, professional” occupations. A significant proportion (15.1%) were small employers and own account workers, reflecting self-employment within the community. Among those employed, elementary occupations (22%) and skilled trades (19%) were the most common sectors.
Gender Employment Gap and Economic Inactivity
The gender gap in employment rates for Romany Irish Travellers is nearly double the national average. In 2011, 46% of Romany Irish Traveller men were employed compared to only 29% of women, a gap of 17 percentage points. This compares to a 10 percentage point gap nationally. This wider gap is largely attributed to higher economic inactivity rates among Romany Irish Traveller women (63%) compared to men (43%). The most common reasons for economic inactivity among Romany Irish Travellers were looking after home or family (27%) and long-term sickness or disability (26%), with the latter being the highest percentage across all ethnic groups.
Housing and Home Ownership
Home ownership rates among Romany Irish Travellers are considerably lower than the national average.
Table 5: Home ownership and renting among Gypsy or Irish Traveller households and all households
| Ethnic group | Own their own home | Rent privately | Rent social housing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gypsy/Traveller | 34% | 24% | 42% |
| All ethnic groups | 64% | 18% | 18% |
Source: England, 2011 Census
In 2011, only 34% of Romany Irish Traveller households owned their own homes, compared to 64% nationally. A much higher proportion (42%) lived in social rented accommodation compared to the national average (18%). A small percentage (0.1%) of new social housing lettings in 2016-2017 went to Romany Irish Traveller households.
In terms of accommodation type, while whole houses or bungalows were the most common for Romany Irish Travellers (61%), this was lower than the national average (84%). Caravans or other mobile or temporary homes constituted a significant 24% of Romany Irish Traveller accommodation, far higher than the national average (0.3%). The proportion living in flats, maisonettes, or apartments was similar to the national average.
Health Outcomes and Healthcare Access
Health outcomes for Romany Irish Travellers are significantly poorer than the general population. In 2011, 14.1% of Gypsy and Irish Travellers rated their health as bad or very bad, more than double the national average of 5.6%. In 2016-2017, older Romany Irish Travellers (aged 65+) had the lowest health-related quality of life scores compared to all ethnic groups.
Data on satisfaction with healthcare services is less reliable due to smaller sample sizes for Romany Irish Travellers, but available figures suggest mixed experiences:
- GP Out-of-Hours Services: In 2014-2015, Romany Irish Travellers reported the highest satisfaction with GP out-of-hours services (75.2%).
- GP Services: However, in 2018-2019, satisfaction with general GP services was lower (73.0%) compared to most ethnic groups.
- NHS Dentist Appointments: Romany Irish Travellers were among the least successful in booking NHS dentist appointments in 2018-2019, with 89.0% reporting successful booking.
- Access to GP Services: Satisfaction with access to GP services was also lower in 2018-2019 (56.9%) compared to the national average (67.4%).
These health statistics and access concerns highlight significant health inequalities faced by Romany Irish Travellers.
Conclusion
Romany Irish Travellers are a distinct ethnic group with a rich cultural heritage and a long history in the UK and Ireland. However, data consistently reveals significant inequalities across various aspects of life, including education, employment, housing, and health. Addressing these inequalities requires improved data collection, culturally sensitive policy approaches, and a greater understanding of the specific needs and experiences of Romany Irish Traveller communities. Recognizing their distinct identity and promoting inclusion are crucial steps towards achieving equity and social justice for Romany Irish Travellers.
