UK Social Mobility Commission Calls for Clearer Strategy Amidst Regional Disparities
Alun Francis, the social mobility commissioner, has highlighted the absence of an overarching coherent strategy for social mobility in the UK and has called for a clearer plan from the prime minister.
The commission's report warns of extreme regional disparities, identifying areas of enduring disadvantage including the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, the West Midlands, and former mining areas in Wales and Scotland.
While some housing and skills policies receive praise, other proposals are described as stop-start, which hampers a cohesive approach to improving social mobility.
The report finds that a child's family background continues to heavily influence their education and life chances.
Between 2014-2016 and 2022-2024, the proportion of 25- to 29-year-olds in professional occupations rose from 36% to roughly 50%, but people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds have not benefited equally compared to their more advantaged peers.
The government characterizes the number of young people outside education, work, or training as a crisis and references an Alan Milburn review aimed at building a system that offers opportunities to all youths.
Additionally, the report notes new areas outside London with favorable conditions for innovation and growth, including Aberdeen, Brighton, Bristol, Chester, Edinburgh, Oxfordshire, Reading, and West Berkshire.
