The top 50 UK employers who have taken the most action to improve social mobility in the workplace have been announced.
The Social Mobility Employer Index, thought to be the world’s first ever social mobility employer index, has ranked Britain’s employers on the actions they are taking to ensure they are open to accessing and progressing talent from all backgrounds and it showcases progress towards improving social mobility.
The top ten firms named in the index top 50 are:
- Grant Thornton UK LLP
- KPMG UK LLP
- Skanska UK PLC
- Standard Life
- Deloitte UK
- JP Morgan
- PwC
- Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP
- WM Morrisons Supermarkets Plc
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car
View the full list of employers here
The aim of the index is to encourage firms to share their initiatives and progress in becoming more inclusive employers and to reveal which sectors and companies are taking the issue of social mobility most seriously.
The index is a joint initiative between the Social Mobility Foundation and the Social Mobility Commission, in partnership with the City of London Corporation.
Research has consistently shown that people from more affluent backgrounds take a disproportionate number of the best jobs and that employers tend to disproportionately employ graduates who went to private schools and elite universities.
Nearly 100 employers from 17 sectors, who collectively employ just under one million people, submitted entries about their practices and procedures in areas such as work with young people, recruitment, selection and progression.
The announcement of the index comes after a recent poll found that nearly half of Brits think that background determines success. The poll revealed the scale of Britain’s ‘us and them’ society and uncovers feelings of deep social pessimism among young people.
Speaking about the index, David Johnston, Chief Executive of the Social Mobility Foundation, said, “All the top 50 firms in the Social Mobility Employer Index should be applauded for the progress they are making towards ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to get in and get on – regardless of their background.”
“While no one firm has cracked the issue and there is still progress to be made, they should be congratulated both for having prioritised social mobility and for being prepared to have their processes and practices independently scrutinised.”
Catherine McGuinness, Policy Chairman for the City of London Corporation said, “These firms have shown real ambition in their approach to tackling social mobility.”
“They are leading the way in removing the barriers which are holding back the best and brightest candidates in our society.”
“Statistics show that people from more prosperous backgrounds, who attend private schools and elite universities, often take a disproportionate number of the best jobs.”
“But more companies are making progress on social mobility, casting the net wider in the search for talent and recognising that a level playing field is in the best interests for all businesses.”
“The index is an effective incentive to UK businesses to demonstrate the progress they are making in this vital area.”
