A report published today by the Social Mobility Commission has laid bare the worrying lack of social mobility in the UK. It concluded that “Britain has a deep social mobility problem which is getting worse for an entire generation of young people” and suggested barriers to social mobility include an “unfair” education system, unaffordable housing and a two-tier labour market divided between a prosperous middle class and those below on it on low-paid, intermittent or insecure employment.
Responding to the report, Executive Director of The Equality Trust, Dr Wanda Wyporska, said:
“Too many people are held back by the circumstances of their birth. Those born into wealth continue to occupy the most powerful positions and best paid jobs, while those born into poverty often find it impossible to leave. The only way to prevent this waste of potential and talent is to reduce the UK’s dangerously high levels of inequality.
“Something is desperately wrong when so many people feel the odds are stacked against them. To provide hope and opportunity we need a fairer system of taxes and social security, and an economy that works for the many not the few. Most importantly, we need our politicians to commit to reducing inequality.”
For further comments or to arrange an interview, contact info@equalitytrust.org.uk