Does Starmer Have a Clear Plan for Social Mobility?

Recent comments from Alun Francis, the government’s social mobility commissioner, suggest that Sir Keir Starmer lacks a coherent approach to social mobility. Francis emphasised the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the significant disparities in social mobility across the UK, especially affecting former industrial areas. This discussion comes in light of a report highlighting alarming statistics about young people who are outside education, work, or training.

Last updated: 20 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Alun Francis recently critiqued the Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, stating that there is no "overarching narrative" in his policies aimed at improving social mobility. This criticism comes at a time when the government has been urged to develop a clearer strategy to combat the significant regional disparities in social mobility across the UK. The latest report from the Social Mobility Commission indicates that many young people are struggling, particularly in regions previously reliant on industrial and mining activities.

Key takeaways

• Alun Francis has called for a coherent strategy on social mobility from Sir Keir Starmer.
• The recent report highlights extreme regional disparities in opportunities across the UK.
• Nearly one million young people are currently disengaged from education, work, or training.

Timeline: how we got here

The conversation around social mobility has evolved significantly over the past few years, particularly in the wake of economic shifts and the COVID-19 pandemic. Key dates include:

• 2014-2016: The percentage of young people in professional occupations was 36%.
• 2022-2024: This figure increased to nearly 50% for those aged 25 to 29.
• 14 October 2023: The Social Mobility Commission released a report highlighting current disparities and issues.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Alun Francis has publicly expressed concerns regarding the lack of a coherent approach to social mobility from Labour's leadership. His comments come after the release of a report detailing the challenges faced by young people, particularly in historically disadvantaged regions.

What was already established

The ongoing challenges related to social mobility in the UK have been documented for years, revealing that a child's family background significantly impacts their educational and life outcomes. The disparities across regions, particularly in former industrial areas, have long been recognised as a critical issue needing urgent attention.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The social mobility crisis has direct implications for families across the UK. With nearly one million young people disengaged from education or employment, households may face increased financial uncertainty and reduced social mobility opportunities. This can perpetuate cycles of poverty and limit access to essential services.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses, the lack of a skilled workforce is concerning. Companies may struggle to find talent in regions with high levels of disengagement among young people. This situation can stifle economic growth and innovation, particularly in areas that previously thrived on industry.

Policy and regulation

The government faces mounting pressure to create policies that address these disparities. Francis's call for a cohesive strategy emphasises the need for collaboration between different sectors and levels of government to tackle these issues effectively.

Numbers that matter

• 1 million: The number of young people aged 16-24 who are currently outside education, work, or training.
• 50%: The percentage of young people aged 25-29 in professional occupations from 2022 to 2024.
• 36%: The percentage of young people in professional roles between 2014 and 2016.
• 3: The regions identified as facing enduring disadvantages – North East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the West Midlands.
• 8: The number of areas outside London identified as having favourable conditions for innovation and growth, including Aberdeen and Brighton.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Social Mobility: The ability of individuals or families to move up or down the social ladder, often measured by changes in income, education level, and occupation.
• Commission: A group of individuals appointed to perform a specific function or task, in this case focusing on social mobility.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, it’s crucial for the government to respond to the findings of the recent report and outline steps to address the issues highlighted by the Social Mobility Commission.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the next few months, we can expect discussions around policy changes aimed at improving educational access and job opportunities for young people, particularly in disadvantaged regions.

Signals to watch

• Any announcements regarding new initiatives or strategies from the government related to social mobility.
• Reports on youth engagement in education and work, especially in the identified regions.
• Feedback and reviews from the ongoing Alan Milburn review on social mobility strategies.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about government announcements regarding social mobility initiatives.
• Engage with local community programmes aimed at supporting youth education and employment.

Don’t

• Ignore the importance of family background in shaping educational and career opportunities.
• Assume that improvements in some regions automatically benefit all young people.

Checklist

• Check local resources for youth engagement and employment opportunities.
• Monitor government reports and reviews on social mobility.
• Consider how regional disparities may affect community development.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The social mobility landscape is complex, with many factors influencing it, including economic conditions, policy decisions, and individual circumstances. There is a risk of oversimplifying the issues, and the effectiveness of new policies remains uncertain until implemented and evaluated over time.

Bottom line

The call for a coherent strategy on social mobility highlights the need for urgent action from government leaders. As disparities continue to affect young people's futures, it is crucial for policymakers to develop comprehensive plans that address these challenges effectively. The path forward must consider both immediate and long-term solutions to enable every young person in the UK to thrive.

FAQs

What has Alun Francis said about social mobility?

Alun Francis has stated that there is no coherent approach to social mobility from Sir Keir Starmer, calling for a clearer strategy to address regional disparities and support young people.

How many young people are currently outside education or work?

Nearly one million young people aged 16-24 in the UK are currently disengaged from education, work, or training, highlighting a significant social mobility crisis.

Which regions in the UK are most disadvantaged?

The North East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the West Midlands have been identified as regions facing enduring disadvantages in social mobility.