Recent Co-op research highlights significant career barriers faced by millions due to socioeconomic backgrounds.
- About 70% of individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds face obstacles in accessing educational and career opportunities.
- Young people are particularly affected, with a high number feeling compelled to hide their backgrounds in professional settings.
- Key barriers include lack of financial support, confidence issues, and limited access to networks and mentors.
- The study urges for actions to enhance social mobility and economic growth in the UK.
A recent study by Co-op has uncovered that around 7.4 million individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are missing out on career opportunities due to various barriers. The research reveals that approximately 70% of this demographic faces significant challenges in accessing education and career advancements. This situation particularly affects younger generations, as the pressure to conceal their socioeconomic backgrounds in professional settings is immense, with an alarming 82% feeling this necessity during job interviews or at work.
A significant portion, about 39%, of young people aged 16-34 admitted to hiding their backgrounds, reflecting a persistent social stigma associated with socioeconomic status. These findings align with the Social Mobility Commission’s report, indicating a widening disadvantage gap, the highest in a decade.
The study by Co-op, in collaboration with Demos, estimates that improving access to opportunities for these individuals could potentially add £200 billion to the UK’s GDP over the next ten years. This economic argument underlines the benefits of addressing social mobility not only from a moral standpoint but also from an economic perspective.
The Co-op study identifies several key barriers impacting individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. These include a lack of financial support for further education, low confidence in fitting into work environments, costs associated with relocation, and unpaid internships that are inaccessible. Additionally, growing up in regions with fewer opportunities, limited access to career advice, and restricted professional networks further compound these challenges.
Ishitha Islam, a 21-year-old from London, highlighted personal challenges in the job market, stating, “I still feel like I don’t fit in at prestigious organisations because there is no one like me reflected in the higher ranks.” This sentiment underscores the need for businesses to embrace social mobility, which brings diverse ideas and representation into workplaces.
Claire Costello, Co-op’s Chief People and Inclusion Officer, described the findings as a wake-up call, emphasising, “Millions are being held back from reaching their potential due to their background.” She called for socioeconomic background to become a protected characteristic under the 2010 Equality Act, ensuring protection against discrimination in both the workplace and education.
The research builds on existing reports showing disparities in social mobility. Young individuals from higher professional backgrounds are significantly more likely to pursue higher education and secure top-tier professional roles compared to their lower-working-class peers. This growing divide highlights the urgent need for policy reform and efforts from businesses to foster an inclusive environment where opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of background.
Addressing and dismantling these barriers is crucial for unlocking the potential of millions and enhancing social mobility in the UK.
