Social mobility

Let's move the dial on social mobility

Today is Social Mobility Day and with the theme of shifting mindsets, I want to look at the most important shift we can make: from talk to action.

How can HR leaders make apprenticeships more attractive?

Nearly half (44%) of young people feel uninformed about apprenticeship opportunities in their field of interest, according to research published to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week (10-16...

Young working class adults underrepresented in creative jobs

Young adults, aged 35 and under, from working class backgrounds were four times less likely to work in creative industries than their middle-class peers, a report by social mobility charity the Sutton...

Unpaid internships should be illegal

It’s not enough to say, 'but we’ve always done it this way', when 'this way' is literally unpaid labour.

Job ad for “underclass” applicants deemed “disturbing”

Commentators have criticised a job advert that invited applicants from “working-class, benefit class, criminal class and/or underclass” backgrounds.

Social mobility initiatives fall by 23%

Recruitment of candidates from lower socio-economic backgrounds (LSEBs) fell from 75% in 2022 to 52% in 2023, according to research from social mobility charity Making The Leap.

Class greatest barrier to career progression in financial services

Socio-economic background is more likely to impact a person’s career in financial services than gender or ethnicity, according to a report from non-profit consultancy, The Bridge Group.

Is Keir Starmer right about communication's ability to break the ‘class ceiling’?

Labour leader Keir Starmer has vowed to improve children’s speaking skills to help breakdown class barriers in the UK, but is better oracy the key to improving social mobility?

HR professionals should lead the way in creating a more inclusive workforce

Fewer than two-thirds of young people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds think a satisfying job is open to everyone if they work hard enough.

Most employers would consider hiring ex-offenders in 2023

Six in 10 employers have said they would consider hiring ex-offenders this year, according to new research.

McKinsey calls for better socioeconomic representation to boost economy

McKinsey is calling on other firms to kickstart their social mobility agendas — by highlighting links to how better socioeconomic diversity benefits businesses and the wider economy.

News

Santander drops 2:1 requirement for grad scheme

Santander UK has dropped its requirement for candidates to have achieved at least a 2:1 at university when enrolling in its graduate scheme.