‘Call to action’ for government to act on social mobility

Experts have demanded the government take action to improve social mobility around the country after a new survey revealed stark differences, depending on where people live.

A report published today by the Social Mobility Commission reveals just 31% of people living in the North East believe there are opportunities for them to progress in their local area, compared to 78% of people living in London.

The commission has also urged the government to set up a £20m centre for further education and adult learning to help address the problem of social mobility around the country.

A survey carried out by YouGov for the report shows that while around two thirds (63%) of people felt they were better off than their parents in terms of education they received, less than a third (29%) felt they had better job security.

Almost half of people (44%) said that where you end up in society is largely determined by your background.

Just over a third (35%) felt that everyone has a chance to get on in this country, while the majority of people (77%) believed there is a large gap between the social classes in Britain today.

Only a third (30%) of 18 to 24-year olds think that everyone in Britain today has a fair chance to progress compared to almost (48%) of those aged 65 and over.

And half of people think central government should be doing more to improve social mobility and to ensure opportunity for all – 38% felt local government should do more and 37% felt schools should do more.

‘This poll is a “call to action” for this government to do more to help social mobility,’ said Commission chair, Dame Martina.

‘Politicians at national and local level must listen to it. Regions which have been marginalised for decades should get the investment they need to provide opportunities for young people so they don’t have to move out to move up.’

The full report – Barometer: Social mobility 2019 to 2020 – available to read here.

Photo Credit – Free-Photos (Pixabay)