Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what their response is to the report by the Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission that many top companies exclude bright working-class candidates from recruitment.

The noble Lord will be aware that the recommendations of the Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission report are rightly directed at employers, not Government. However, participation in higher education is one of the key factors in improving social mobility and we now have record levels of disadvantaged students entering higher education. Also, through the Social Mobility Business Compact employers are working to improve access to opportunities for young people regardless of their background.