Responding to Theresa May’s speech today declaring the Government’s commitment to building a shared society, Dr. Wanda Wyporska, Executive Director of The Equality Trust, said:

“It is encouraging to hear the Prime Minister’s commitment to building a shared society,  but this cannot be achieved without tackling our country’s extreme levels of inequality. Far too many people are locked out of opportunities, trapped in low paid jobs that fail to provide the basics of a roof over their head and food on the table. At the same time a tiny group at the top has hoovered up astronomical wealth. The UK’s prosperity feels anything but shared and this affects us all.

”It’s unsurprising that a quarter of young people now feel they are not in control of their lives. We cannot continue to tackle issues such as mental health, poverty and poor educational outcomes in isolation, when it’s clear that more equal countries enjoy better physical and mental health, better educational outcomes, and lower levels of violence. As the IMF and others have pointed out, inequality is the scourge of our times, and we encourage Theresa May to be bold and tackle the rampant inequality at the heart of society.

“A shared society is one where the prosperity and wellbeing of the 99% is put first; where there are decent jobs and decent pay, and where the majority have security, stability, and a genuine stake in their futures. That means a fairer tax and social security system, and workers who have a voice in the boardroom. If this Government is serious about building a shared society, it must look to narrow the gap between the richest and the rest of us.”

For further comments or to arrange an interview, contact info@equalitytrust.org.uk