7.4 million missing out on job opportunities due to socio-economic background, Co-op reveals
New research from the Co-op reveals that up to 7.4 million people in the UK—the equivalent of the population of Scotland and Northern Ireland combined—are missing out on job or education opportunities because of their socio-economic background.
Research has found that 70% of people from low socio-economic backgrounds face barriers that affect their access to opportunities, with younger generations particularly affected.
The study highlights that more than a quarter (27%) of those questioned feel pressured to hide or downplay their background during interviews or at work, reflecting ongoing social discrimination based on socio-economic status. Among 16-34 year olds, this figure rises to 82%, with 39% admitting to concealing their origins. This trend is consistent with the findings of the Public Transport Commission’s latest report, which shows that the 16-year disadvantage gap index is the highest since 2011-12.
Research from the Co-op and Demos underlines the economic impact of tackling social mobility, estimating that improving access to opportunities could add £200 billion to UK GDP over the next decade. The Co-op calls on Government and businesses to take serious action to remove barriers to public mobility.
Important Barriers to Social Mobility
Co-op research has identified the top barriers people from disadvantaged backgrounds face when trying to get ahead:
1. Lack of financial support for continuing education (21%)
2. Low self-esteem or sense of belonging in certain workplaces (19%)
3. Cost of relocating for better opportunities (17%)
4. Inaccessible unpaid internships or work experience (14%)
5. Growing up in regions with few opportunities (13%)
6. Limited access to career advice or training (10%)
7. Limited professional networks or contacts (9%)
8. Cost of proper interview/work clothes (9%)
9. Lack of experience related to partners (6%)
10. Hiring bias based on socio-economic background (6%)
Ishitha Islam, a 21-year-old from London, spoke about the challenges of entering the workforce as a first-generation professional. “I still feel like I’m not joining respected organizations because no one like me is seen at the highest levels,” she said. “Businesses need to realize that social mobility benefits everyone, bringing creative ideas and broad representation.”
Claire Costello, the Co-op’s Chief People and Inclusion Officer, called the findings an exciting day, saying, “Millions are being held back from reaching their potential because of their background. Improving social mobility is not only morally right but an economic opportunity.”
As part of its ‘Fundamentals to Get Ahead’ campaign, the Co-op is urging the Government to accelerate plans to make socio-economic background a protected factor under the Equality Act 2010, ensuring protection from discrimination in employment and education.
The study builds on the Public Mobility Commission’s State of the Nation report 2024, which shows that young people from high-skilled backgrounds are twice as likely to pursue a degree and four times as likely to find a professional job compared to their lower-skilled peers.
As the UK faces growing social mobility divides, the Co-op 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.
