New research from Co-op reveals that up to 7.4 million people in the UK—equivalent to the populations of Scotland and Northern Ireland combined—are missing out on career or educational opportunities due to their socioeconomic background.
The study found that 70% of individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds face barriers that impact their access to opportunities, with younger generations particularly affected.
The study highlights that over a quarter (27%) of those surveyed feel pressured to hide or downplay their background during job interviews or at work, illustrating the social stigma that persists around socioeconomic status. Among 16-34 year-olds, this number rises to 82%, with 39% admitting they have concealed their background. This trend coincides with findings from the Social Mobility Commission’s latest report, which shows that the disadvantage gap index at age 16 is at its highest since 2011-12.
The research from Co-op and Demos underscores the economic impact of addressing social mobility, estimating that improving access to opportunities could add £200 billion to UK GDP over the next decade. Co-op is calling on the Government and businesses to take decisive action to dismantle barriers to social mobility.
Key Barriers to Social Mobility
Co-op’s study identified the top barriers that individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds face when trying to progress:
1. Lack of financial support for further education (21%)2. Low confidence or sense of belonging in certain work environments (19%)3. Cost of relocating for better opportunities (17%)4. Inaccessible unpaid internships or work experience (14%)5. Growing up in regions with fewer opportunities (13%)6. Limited access to career advice or mentorship (10%)7. Restricted professional networks or contacts (9%)8. Cost of appropriate interview/work attire (9%)9. Lack of relatable experiences with colleagues (6%)10. Bias in recruitment based on socioeconomic background (6%)
Ishitha Islam, a 21-year-old from London, spoke to the challenges of entering the workforce as a first-generation professional. “I still feel like I don’t fit in at prestigious organisations because there is no one like me reflected in the higher ranks,” she said. “Businesses need to realise that social mobility benefits everyone, bringing creative ideas and broader representation.”
Claire Costello, Co-op’s Chief People and Inclusion Officer, called the findings a wake-up call, stating, “Millions are being held back from reaching their potential due to their background. Promoting social mobility is not just morally right but an economic opportunity.”
As part of its ‘Backgrounds into the Foreground’ campaign, Co-op is urging the Government to accelerate plans to make socioeconomic background a protected characteristic under the 2010 Equality Act, ensuring protections against discrimination in the workplace and in education.
The study builds on the Social Mobility Commission’s State of the Nation Report 2024, which shows that young people from higher professional backgrounds are more than twice as likely to pursue a degree and over four times as likely to secure a high-level professional role compared to their lower working-class peers.
With the UK facing growing disparities in social mobility, Co-op’s campaign highlights the urgent need for policy changes and a concerted effort by businesses to create an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of background, can access equal opportunities.
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