CEO of the Social Mobility Foundation & Department for Opportunities responds to the Social Mobility Commission’s ‘State of the Nation’ report.
Sarah Atkinson said:
The Social Mobility Commission’s State of the Nation report confirms that the pandemic has been catastrophic for social mobility. The message to government, educators and employers – which we wholeheartedly endorse – is unambiguous: we must act now to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve social mobility. We will not be forgiven if we miss this chance.
We wholly support the report’s recommendations, especially in regards to education. Extra funding for the pupil premium and creating a student premium for 16–19 year-olds is something we have long called for and ensuring access to digital devices has been a priority of our campaigning arm, the Department for Opportunities. We are also pleased that the report emphasises that for the government’s levelling up agenda to be a success it must prioritise investment in people, not just infrastructure.
We know from our Social Mobility Employer Index and employer partnerships across the country that change is possible. If we want the UK to be a place where all young people have a fair chance of reaching their full potential, the time for bold and decisive action is now.
Read the full report here.
