In this blog, Kya Christensen (Making The Leap’s Research & Policy Officer) explores recommendations from leading experts on how to tackle socio-economic inequality in the UK.
Making Equal: New Visions for Opportunity and Growth was published in 2025, and is a must-read for anyone working in the social mobility space. In the book, high-profile contributors explain the impact of socio-economic disadvantage on individuals from birth, through the education system and to the labour market. Most importantly, the authors also offer valuable recommendations on how to address these inequalities. At Making The Leap, we are particularly excited that Andy Boucher – our Vice Chair of Trustees – contributed a key chapter on how businesses can positively influence social mobility.
Here, I focus on two themes from the book that strongly resonate with Making The Leap’s work to advance social mobility in the UK: adult skills and the role of employers.
Adult skills and lifelong learning
In Making Equal, David Blunkett, Jonathan Michie, Nimmi Patel, James Robson and Nigel Wilcock all explore issues related to adult skills and lifelong learning. Their key points include:
- There are massive disparities caused by generational disadvantage in the UK. Investing in human capital (skills, knowledge, and experience) through lifelong learning is a vital way to address these disparities.
- There is a critical gap in digital skills, with research showing that 18% of UK adults lack essential workplace digital skills. Many adults lack the confidence to use AI effectively, which further reinforces the need for continuous learning.
- A diverse range of pathways is needed for adult learners, and should be supported by the further and higher education sectors. Interest-free training loans are one practical solution that could make lifelong learning more accessible.
The role of employers
Making The Leap’s Andy Boucher, along with Justine Greening and James Robson, offer valuable reflections on the role of employers in addressing inequalities:
- Employer investment in training has declined over recent years, contributing to a widening skills gap. Businesses must therefore re-think their role – it is not just about hiring talented people, but actively investing in them.
- Employers can drive positive change in three key areas: outreach (partnering with schools and community organisations), recruitment (ensuring clear access to opportunities), and retention (supporting progression within organisations).
- Businesses must help young people connect education to the world of work, and build organisations to be engines of social mobility.
Reflections
Acknowledging the existence of inequality is simply the first step: next, we must determine how to appropriately address it. Making Equal presents a compelling case for action on adult skills and employer engagement as key solutions. As author John Bird starkly observes, “social mobility is the only possible exit out poverty – apart from, perhaps winning the lottery.” However, for too many in the UK, winning the lottery may feel more attainable than achieving social mobility. Changing this reality requires long-term commitment from both public and private sectors. At Making The Leap, we therefore welcome these valuable recommendations for employers to tackle socio-economic inequalities in the UK.
If you’re aged 18-30 and looking to develop your skills and confidence, take a look at Making The Leap’s monthly ACE Programme. You can also email our Engagement Team to learn more about how we can support your professional journey.
If you’re an employer and already taking action on social mobility, check out Making The Leap’s latest social mobility research report for inspiration from other employers’ best practice.
