Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, pursuant to the Answer of 8 March 2023 to Question 903996 on Equality Act 2010, if he will outline the policies and practical actions that the Government plans to implement.

The Government is ensuring that all young people get every opportunity to go as far as their talents will take them. Social mobility initiatives include:

• Increasing the number of good school places, 87% of schools are now rated good or outstanding, up from 68% in 2010 and;
• Ensuring people of all ages get the education and skills they need by investing in careers education, transforming technical education, and making apprenticeships and the higher education system more accessible.

On 1 April 2023, the Government will increase the National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 23 years and over by 9.7% to £10.42. This keeps the Government on track to achieve its manifesto commitment for the NLW to equal two-thirds of median earnings by 2024 (if economic conditions allow).