Research and analysis

Social mobility barometer: public attitudes to social mobility in the UK, 2019 to 2020

Published 21 January 2020

Applies to England

Foreword

This year’s Social Mobility Barometer gives a clear message to the new Government. It shows that more than half of people feel that government does not give enough support to those who are struggling or to the least well off. It should be doing much more both at national and local level, they say.

The Barometer is an annual survey of around 5,000 people from across the nation. People’s own experiences and perceptions can often give a sharper insight than research and statistics. Last year it exposed deep pessimism among young people about their futures and a feeling that it was becoming harder for those from working class backgrounds to get on in life.

This year it reveals stark regional differences in attitudes to social mobility –as those in the North, the Midlands and the South West feel more left out. Whilst 78 per cent of respondents in London felt there were good opportunities for people to progress in their region, only 31 per cent did in the North East, 37 per cent in Wales, and 47 per cent in the South West.

In our Commission’s first year our geographic focus has been the North with regional visits to the North East and the North West. We are beginning to work with these areas and others in the South and South West to identify which interventions make a real difference on the ground. We will continue to invest our time and attention in our country’s cold spots, places where sustained underinvestment has hurt the opportunities of both young and old.

The Government should also think about how it can go further with devolving the powers and funding to regions that allow cities to implement social mobility interventions. Regions should be able to plan their investment in skills, training and access to leisure, culture and sport.

This year the Barometer reveals a worrying divide between opportunities in education and what follows – work, income and job security. Overall 63 per cent of people felt they were better off than their parents in terms of the education they had received, but only 45 per cent felt they had a better standard of living. Less than a third felt they had better job security.

This suggests that the focus on improving educational opportunities may have started to pay off but much more attention is needed on training, jobs, and pay levels.

The majority of people continue to feel there are fewer opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds compared to better-off peers. Almost half of people (44 per cent) say that where you end up in society is largely determined by your background, while twice as many people feel it is becoming harder rather than easier to move up in society.

This poll is a ‘call to action’ for this new Government to do more to help social mobility. Politicians must listen to it. This is a great moment to start reversing inequities of generations. People must be given equal chances in life. We can help make it happen.

Dame Martina Milburn
Chair

Top line findings

Overall

• the majority of people (77%) feel there is a large gap between social classes in Britain today. This is unchanged from previous years and indicates people feel this gap is not closing

• almost half of people say that where you end up in society is largely determined by your background. 44% of people feel that where you end up is largely determined by your background and your parents, compared to 35% who feel everyone has a fair chance to get on

• almost twice as many people feel it is becoming harder, rather than easier, to move up in British society. Thirty-nine percent of people agreed it was becoming harder to move up, compared to 22% who felt it was becoming easier, and 29% who felt it had stayed much the same

• less than 40% of individuals think they are better off than 10 years ago, but there are stark differences in the perception of people from who consider themselves from “working class” and “middle class” backgrounds. More people who identify as working class feel their financial situation is worse off than 10 years ago (35%) compared to those who identify as middle class (22%)

Education, childcare and work opportunities

• the majority of people continue to feel there are less opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds compared to their better-off peers. This included going to a top university (77%), owning their own home (71%), access to quality childcare (68%), and leaving school with good qualifications (60%)

• twice as many people who identify as middle class feel their background gave them an advantage in their education (50%) compared to people who identify as working class (25%). More middle class people similarly felt their background gave them an advantage in their career choice and progression than those who identified as working class

• overall, people think apprenticeships are the best opportunity for progression. Thirty-two percent felt that taking an apprenticeship offer young people the best chance to progress, followed by higher education (26%) and going into further education (14%)

• however, the younger generation continued to feel that higher education offered the best opportunity to progress their life and career. 18 to 24 year olds feel that going into higher education offers the best opportunities (35%) compared to apprenticeships (18%)

Regional differences

• there is a growing trend for people to feel there are large differences in opportunity across the country. The majority of people (76%) feel there are large differences in opportunity across the country in 2019, compared to 73% in 2018 and 71% in 2017

• there are stark and persistent regional differences in perceived opportunity, with the greatest difference between London and the North East. Seventy-eight percent of respondents in London felt there were good opportunities for people to progress in their region, compared to 31% in the North East

Generational divide

• younger generations continue to feel more acutely that your background shapes where you end up. Only a third (30%) of 18 to 24 year olds feel that everyone in Britain today has a fair chance to go far, compared to almost half (48%) of those 65 and over

• whilst the majority of people feel they are better off than their parents in terms of education, this does not translate into better living standards or job security. Overall, 63% of people felt they were better off than their parents in terms of the education they had received, but only 45% felt they had a better standard of living. Only 29% felt they had better job security or position in society

• Londoners were less likely to feel they had a better standard of living than their parents. 32% felt their standard of living was better off than their parents, a drop from 40% last year

Government action on social mobility

• half of people think that central government should be doing more to impact social mobility and to ensure opportunity for all. In comparison, 38% felt local government should be doing more and 37% felt schools should be doing more

• however, people think schools are best equipped to tackle social mobility (45%), followed by employers (34%) and central government (33%)

• more than half of people feel that government does not give enough support to those who are struggling. Fifty-two percent of people feel that government does not give enough support to those who are least well off, and 65% for those who are just about managing

Sample size: 4,860 UK Adults; Fieldwork: 11 to 18 March 2019

Methodology

YouGov surveyed 4,860 UK Adults and fieldwork was conducted between 11 and 18 March 2019. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB Adults aged 18 years or over. YouGov ensured the survey was made representative based on several criteria.

• age and gender
• political attention
• region
• education level
• General Election Vote in 2017
• EU Referendum Vote 2016

YouGov is registered with the Information Commissioner, and is a member of the British Polling Council.

Gap between social classes

Three quarters of respondents think that there is a large gap between social classes in Britain

77% of respondents think that there is a large or very large gap between social classes in Britain today, in comparison to 13% who think that there is a small gap.

In Wales, around 4 in 5 people (82%) think there is a large gap between social classes. Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West of England have the next highest proportions (81% and 80%, respectively), whilst fewer respondents in London and the South East feel there is a large gap – although 76% still feel there is a large gap. Respondents in Northern Ireland, the East Midlands and West Midlands are slightly less likely to think there was a large gap (75%, 75% and 74% respectively).

Those aged 50 to 64 are most likely to think there is a large gap between the classes (79%), followed by 25 to 49 years old (78%).

How large or small do you think the gap is between different social classes in Britain today?

Out of every 100 people:

• 77 think there is a large gap
• 13 think there is a small gap
• 9 are not sure

How large or small do you think the gap is between different social classes in Britain today? (by age)

Gap between classes	18 to 24 year olds	25 to 49 year olds	50 to 64 year olds	65 years and over
Large gap	75%	78%	79%	75%
Small gap	14%	11%	13%	18%
Not sure	11%	11%	7%	7%

Percentage of people in each region who say there’s a large gap between social classes in Britain

Region	Percentage
Wales	82%
Yorkshire and the Humber	81%
North West	80%
Scotland	78%
North East	78%
South West	77%
East of England	77%
South East	76%
London	76%
Northern Ireland	75%
East Midlands	75%
West Midlands	74%

Sample size: 4,860 UK Adults (Unweighted sample sizes by region: North East n=196, North West n=488, Yorkshire and the Humber n=397, East Midlands n=385, West Midlands n=355, East of England n=410, London n=356, South East n=619, South West n=455, Wales n=524, Scotland n=577, Northern Ireland n=98); Fieldwork: 11 to 18 March 2019 Sample size: 4,860 UK Adults; Fieldwork: 11 to 18 March 2019

Just over half of people understand what the term ‘social mobility’ means

52% of people believe they know what the term social mobility means well or very well. This is a fall from last year, where 55% felt they knew it well or very well.

Younger age groups are less likely to understand the term: just 42% of 18 to 24 year olds feel they know what the term means, in comparison to 59% of 50 to 64 year olds.

Men are more likely to know what the term means: 55% of men believe they understand the term very or fairly well, in comparison to 48% of women.

How well, if at all, do you know what the term “social mobility” means (by gender)?

• in 2018 55% knew it very or fairly well
• in 2019 52% know it very or fairly well

How well, if at all, do you know what the term “social mobility” means?	Women	Men	18 to 24 year olds	25 to 49 year olds	50 to 64 year olds	65 years and over
Well	48%	55%	42%	46%	59%	57%
Not very well or not at all	43%	37%	43%	42%	36%	39%
Do not know	9%	8%	15%	12%	5%	4%

Sample size: 4,860 GB Adults (18 to 24 n=454, 25 to 49 n=1,893, 50 to 64 n=1,210 and 65 and over n=1,303); Fieldwork: 11 to 18 March 2019

How your background impacts where you end up

People feel that your background and parents determine where you end up in society

44% say that where you end up in society is largely determined by who your parents are – compared with around a third (35%) who say that everyone has a fair chance to get on regardless of their background.

Just 30% of 18 to 24 year olds think that everyone has a fair chance to go as far as their talent and hard work will take them, in comparison to 48% of those age 65 and over.

People aged 65 or over are less likely to think that background determines life chances, 34% thinking this, in comparison to 47% of 18 to 49 year olds and 46% of 50 to 64 year olds.

Which of the following best reflects your view	All UK adults	18 to 24 year olds	25 to 49 year olds	50 to 64 year olds	65 years and over
In Britain today where you end up in society is mainly determined by your background and who your parents were	44%	47%	47%	46%	34%
In Britain today everyone has a fair chance to go as far as their talent and their hard work will take them	35%	30%	29%	36%	48%
Neither	14%	12%	14%	14%	13%
Do not know	10%	12%	14%	7%	6%

Sample size: 4,860 UK Adults (Unweighted sample sizes by age: 18 to 24 n=454, 25 to 49 n=1,893, 50 to 64 n=1,210, 65 and over n=1,303); Fieldwork: 11 to 18 March 2019.

People think that social mobility is getting worse in Britain

People think that social mobility is getting worse in Britain: 39% of respondents think that it is getting harder for people from less advantaged backgrounds to move up in British society, almost twice as many as those who think it is becoming easier.

This is the case across all age groups. 25 to 49 year olds are most likely to think it is becoming harder for people from less advantaged backgrounds to move up in society, with 44% of them thinking this. Just 17% of this group think it is becoming easier.

By contrast, those aged 18 to 24 are the most optimistic on this measure of life chances. Just 31% of them thinking it is becoming harder, while 32% think it is becoming easier.

Generally speaking, do you think it is becoming easier or harder for people from less advantaged backgrounds to move up in British society	All UK adults	18 to 24 year olds	25 to 49 year olds	50 to 64 year olds	65 years and over
It is becoming easier	22%	32%	17%	19%	26%
It is becoming harder	39%	31%	44%	40%	31%
It is staying much the same	29%	21%	26%	32%	35%
Not sure	10%	15%	12%	8%	8%

Sample size: 4,860 UK Adults; Fieldwork: 11 to 18 March 2019

People think that apprenticeships are the best opportunity for progression

Respondents are more likely to think that taking an apprenticeship offers the best opportunity to progress in a young person’s life or career than other routes, with 32% feeling that apprenticeships offer the best route. This compares to 26% of respondents thinking higher education offers the best route, 14% thinking further education, and just 7% thinking that starting work offers the best opportunity.

However, figures differ by age of respondent, with those aged 65 years and over being much more likely to suggest apprenticeships. Respondents aged 65 years and over selected apprenticeships around twice (43%) as much as the next highest category (higher education, 21%).

Conversely, those aged 18 to 24 were more likely to suggest higher education, with over one third suggesting this (35%) in comparison to just 18% selecting apprenticeships.

Thinking about the period after a young person leaves school, which of these routes do you think offers the best opportunity to progress in their life or career:	All UK adults	18 to 24 year olds	25 to 49 year olds	50 to 64 year olds	65 years and over
Taking an apprenticeship (that is training on the job)	32%	18%	29%	33%	43%
Going into higher education (that is university)	26%	35%	27%	27%	21%
Going into further education (that is technical education)	14%	13%	14%	13%	17%
Going straight into employment	7%	5%	7%	8%	7%
Something else	3%	5%	3%	3%	2%
Do not know	18%	23%	21%	17%	10%

Sample size: 4,860 UK Adults; Fieldwork: 11 to 18 March 2019

Three quarters of people think that poorer people have less opportunity to go to a top university

Over three quarters (77%) of respondents feel that those from poor backgrounds have less opportunity to go to a top university.

A large majority of respondents feel that poorer people have less opportunity in most areas: 71% feel they have less opportunity to become a home owner; 60% feel they have less opportunity to leave school with good qualifications; and 58% feel they have less opportunity to get a well-paid job.

Only on access to apprenticeships did over half of respondents feel that there was equal opportunity, with 57% saying this.

Thinking about the opportunities that people from different backgrounds have in life, how do you think the opportunities open to people from poor backgrounds compare to those open to people from better off backgrounds in the following areas:	People from poor backgrounds have less opportunity	People from better off backgrounds have less opportunity	People have equal opportunities, regardless of background	Do not know
Going to a top university?	77%	2%	13%	8%
Becoming a home-owner	71%	2%	20%	8%
Being able to access good quality childcare	66%	2%	17%	13%
Going to university	65%	1%	25%	8%
Getting into a professional career such as law or accountancy	65%	1%	23%	10%
Leaving school with a good set of educational qualifications	60%	1%	31%	8%
Getting a well-paid job	58%	1%	31%	9%
Getting work experience or an internship	49%	2%	36%	13%
Getting a top apprenticeship such as a degree apprenticeship	49%	3%	30%	19%
Getting an apprenticeship	23%	6%	57%	14%

Sample size: 4,860 UK Adults; Fieldwork: 11 to 18 March 2019

Are things better than they used to be?

Most people think they received a better education than their parents, but fewer people feel better off in other areas of their lives

People tend to think that they are better off than – or as well off as – their parents on most aspects of life.

However, this varies widely based on the aspect of life in question. Whilst around two thirds of people feel their education was better than their parents (63%), only around one third of people feel their job satisfaction and job security is better (30% and 29%).

Do you think you’re better or worse off than your parents were in terms of:	Better off	Similar to my parents	Worse off	Not sure
The education you received	63%	26%	5%	5%
Your financial situation	45%	21%	27%	6%
Your overall standard of living	45%	31%	19%	6%
Your housing	37%	29%	28%	6%
Job satisfaction	30%	37%	21%	12%
The level of job security you’ve experienced	29%	31%	30%	10%
Your position in society	29%	50%	13%	8%

Sample size: 4,860 UK Adults; Fieldwork: 11 to 18 March 2019

Younger generations are much less likely to think they are better off than their parents

Most people under 50 feel worse off than their parents in terms of their housing, job security, job satisfaction and personal finances (the negative figures).

By contrast, most of this under-50 group feel better off than their parents in terms of living standards, their position in society and education (the positive figures).

Even so, the younger age groups are far less likely than older generations to feel better off than their parents on any of our measures. Those aged 65 and over are about 2.5 times more positive about their position in society and over 4 times more positive about their overall living standards than those aged 18 to 24.

Do you think you’re better or worse off than your parents in terms of: (net total ‘better off’ minus total ‘worse off’)	18 to 24 year olds	25 to 49 year olds	50 to 64 year olds	65 years and over
Your housing	-19%	-17%	27%	56%
The level of job security you’ve experienced	-10%	-15%	-7%	33%
Your financial situation	-1%	-7%	29%	61%
Job satisfaction	1%	-3%	4%	40%
Your position in society	14%	5%	15%	36%
Your overall standard of living	15%	3%	34%	63%
The education you received	53%	50%	63%	70%

Sample size: 4,860 UK Adults; Fieldwork: 11 to 18 March 2019

Londoners are more likely to feel worse off than their parents

Compared to the rest of Great Britain, people in London are more likely to feel worse off than their parents. This applies to overall living standards, housing, job security, and personal finances. On housing and job security, there are slightly more Londoners who feel worse off than their parents than those who feel better off.

Compared to people in Scotland, Londoners are 7 percentage points less likely to feel better off than their parents on living standards.

Londoners fare the very worst on housing. Just 25% of Londoners think they are better off than their parents when it comes to housing, versus 44% of those in Scotland – a 19 percentage point difference.

On the positive end, people in Scotland are the most likely to say they are better off than their parents on overall living standards, housing and personal finances. People in the North tend to be relatively positive about their job security relative to their parents.

Otherwise, there is not much regional variation in whether people feel better or worse off than their parents.

Do you think you’re better or worse off than your parents in terms of your overall standard of living?	Better off	Similar to my parents	Worse Off	Not sure
London	32%	31%	29%	8%
Rest of South	44%	32%	18%	5%
Midlands and Wales	44%	32%	17%	7%
North	49%	28%	17%	6%
Scotland	49%	28%	19%	3%

Do you think you’re better or worse off than your parents in terms of your housing?	Better off	Similar to my parents	Worse Off	Not sure
London	25%	26%	43%	7%
Rest of South	36%	30%	28%	6%
Midlands and Wales	39%	30%	24%	8%
North	41%	28%	25%	7%
Scotland	44%	27%	25%	4%

Do you think you’re better or worse off than your parents in terms of your job security?	Better off	Similar to my parents	Worse Off	Not sure
London	25%	28%	35%	12%
Rest of South	28%	33%	30%	9%
Midlands and Wales	29%	30%	31%	11%
North	31%	30%	30%	10%
Scotland	30%	33%	30%	7%

Do you think you’re better or worse off than your parents in terms of your financial situation?	Better off	Similar to my parents	Worse Off	Not sure
London	35%	22%	36%	7%
Rest of South	46%	23%	26%	5%
Midlands and Wales	45%	22%	25%	8%
North	48%	20%	26%	6%
Scotland	48%	18%	29%	6%

Sample size: 4,860 UK Adults; Fieldwork: 11 to 18 March 2019

Less than 40% of individuals think that they are better off than 10 years ago

37% of individuals think that they are better off financially than they were 10 years ago, whilst 29% think that they are worse off.

People who characterised themselves as working class were more likely to think that they are worse off, with 35% feeling that they are worse off and marginally fewer people feeling better off. By contrast, just 22% of people who characterised themselves as middle class thought that they were worse off.

Of those who described themselves as middle class, the number who felt better off was 23 percentage points higher than the number who felt worse off. Of those who described themselves as working class, the number who felt better off was 1 percentage point less than the number who felt worse off.

Generally speaking, would you say your current financial situation is better or worse than it was ten years ago or is it about the same?	All UK adults
Better	37%
About the same	26%
Worse	29%
Do not know	7%

Generally speaking, would you say your current financial situation is better or worse than it was ten years ago or is it about the same?	Working class	Middle class
Better	34%	46%
Worse	35%	22%
Net difference between better and worse off	-1%	23%

Sample size: 4,860 UK Adults (Unweighted sample size by class: working class n=2260, middle class n=1806. Sample sizes do not sum to 4,860 because respondents could also self-identify as “upper class”, “none”, “do not know” or skip the question.) Fieldwork: 11 to 18 March 2019

Looking forward to future generations

People think older generations had more opportunities to move up in society

Overall, people think that those born between the 1940s and 1970s have had the best opportunities, while younger generations are missing out.

Most people think that those born in the 1960s and 1970s had the best opportunity to move up in society, more so than the “baby boomer” generation of the 1940s and 1950s. However, just 13% of people think that the post-2000 generation will have the most opportunity to move up.

This is despite the fact that people think educational opportunities have been fairly equal across the generations. One quarter of people think the 1980s to 1990s generation has had the best educational opportunities, while a similar number of people think this of the 1960s to 1970s and the post-2000 generations.

This suggests that people blame other factors – such as housing or employment, rather than education – for making it harder for younger generations to move ahead in life.

Advantages	People born before the Second World War	People born in the 1940s and 1950s	People born in the 1960s and 1970s	People born in the 1980s and 1990s	People born since the year 2000	No real difference between the generations	Do not know
Which generation do you think had most opportunity to move up in society?	2%	18%	25%	20%	13%	7%	14%
Which generation do you think had the best educational opportunities?	1%	10%	22%	25%	23%	5%	14%

Sample size: 4,860 UK Adults; Fieldwork: 11 to 18 March 2019

Responses suggest older generations had far better financial opportunities

People think that younger generations are less likely than previous generations to benefit from secure employment, housing, or personal finances.

Around 60% of respondents think that those born in either the 1940s to 1950s or the 1960s to 1970s had the most job security and the best access to good housing. By contrast, a mere 4% of people think those born since the 2000s will have the best job security, and just 6% think they will have the best access to housing. People are also pessimistic about opportunities for those born in the 1980s to 1990s, with only 9% thinking they have the most job security.

In terms of personal finances, the 1980s to 1990s generation may fare slightly better (18% think they have it best). That said, it is still the earlier post-war generations that are believed to have the most opportunities and those born after 2000 the least.

Advantages	People born before the Second World War	People born in the 1940s and 1950s	People born in the 1960s and 1970s	People born in the 1980s and 1990s	People born since the year 2000	No real difference between the generations	Do not know
Which generation do you think had or has the most job security?	7%	33%	24%	5%	4%	6%	17%
Which generation do you think was or is most able to access good housing?	3%	27%	33%	15%	6%	4%	12%
Which generation do you think was or is in the best financial situation?	2%	21%	27%	18%	9%	5%	18%

Sample size: 4,860 UK Adults; Fieldwork: 11 to 18 March 2019

The generations fare more equally on measures of living standards and freedom

When it comes to living standards, almost one quarter (24%) think that the 1960s to 1970s generation had it best, more than other groups. Answers were split more evenly across most other generations.

When it comes to freedom and overall standards of living, people are more likely to think the younger generation have it best – though most still think those born in the 1960s and 1970s had better opportunities. 24% of people think those born since the year 2000 will have the most freedom to do what they want in life, though this is still less than the 28% who believe the 1960s to 1970s generation had the most freedom.

On job satisfaction, though, younger generations appear to lose out dramatically – with just 4% of people thinking those born since the year 2000 will have the most job satisfaction.

Advantages	People born before the Second World War	People born in the 1940s and 1950s	People born in the 1960s and 1970s	People born in the 1980s and 1990s	People born since the year 2000	No real difference between the generations	Do not know
Which generation do you think had or has the most freedom to do what they wanted in life?	1%	11%	28%	17%	24%	6%	12%
Which generation experienced or will experience the highest standard of living?	2%	19%	24%	18%	20%	4%	13%
Which generation do you think had or has the most job satisfaction?	4%	19%	18%	10%	4%	17%	27%

Sample size: 4,860 UK Adults; Fieldwork: 11 to 18 March 2019

Social class and background

People do not generally think that their background has given them advantages

People generally do not think that their family background has given then advantages in life, with 44 per cent feeling that it has not given them advantages or disadvantages in education, 51 per cent in their career and 59 per cent in their progression at work.

However, people are most likely to think that their family background has given them advantages in their education, with over one third (35%) believing this to be the case, in comparison to 15 per cent that think it has disadvantaged them, a 20 percentage point difference.

Similarly, more people think that it has given them advantages than disadvantages in their career and progression at work (11 percentage points more in their career, and 8 percentage points more in their progression at work).

Thinking about your family background, do you think it gave you any advantages or disadvantages in:	Advantages	Disadvantages	None	Not sure
Your education	35%	15%	44%	5%
Your choice of career	26%	15%	51%	7%
Your progression at work	20%	12%	59%	9%

Sample size: 4,860 UK Adults; Fieldwork: 11 to 18 March 2019

Working class respondents were less likely to feel they had advantages in life

Respondents who classified themselves as working class were much less likely to feel that they have had advantages in life than their middle class counterparts.

25% of working class respondents felt that their background gave them advantages in their education, in comparison to half of middle class respondents.

Working class respondents were 14 percentage points less likely to think that their background has given them advantages in their choice of career compared to middle class respondents (21% versus 35%).

Just 17% of working class respondents feel that their family background has given them advantages in progression at work, compared to around one quarter (26%) of middle class respondents.

Thinking about your family background, do you think it gave you any advantages or disadvantages in your education?	Advantages	No advantages or disadvantages	Disadvantages	Not sure
Middle class	50%	38%	10%	3%
Working class	25%	49%	21%	5%

Thinking about your family background, do you think it gave you any advantages or disadvantages in your choice of career?	Advantages	No advantages or disadvantages	Disadvantages	Not sure
Middle class	35%	51%	10%	4%
Working class	21%	53%	20%	7%

Thinking about your family background, do you think it gave you any advantages or disadvantages in your progression at work?	Advantages	No advantages or disadvantages	Disadvantages	Not sure
Middle class	26%	60%	8%	6%
Working class	17%	60%	16%	7%

Sample size: 4,860 UK Adults; Fieldwork: 11 to 18 March 2019

Respondents self-identified their class, and self-identified “working class” or “middle class” is what is used here (as opposed to breakdowns based on occupation, for example).

Just 12% of working class respondents feel that their background has helped them in work, compared to 32% of middle class respondents

Just 12% of respondents that classed themselves as working class felt that their social background helped them in life, compared to almost three times as many middle class respondents (32%).

25% of working class respondents felt that their connections have helped them in their working lives, in comparison to 33% of middle class respondents.

Middle class respondents are more likely to feel that they can fit in with more affluent people: just 19% feel they have difficulty fitting in, in comparison to 36% of working class respondents.

Do you think your social background has helped you or held you back in your working life?	Helped me	Neither helped or held me back	Held me back	Not sure
Middle class	32%	54%	10%	4%
Working class	12%	57%	24%	7%

Thinking about the contacts you have and the people you know. Do you think whether or not you have the right connections has helped you or held you back in your working life?	Helped me	Neither helped or held me back	Held me back	Not sure
Middle class	33%	55%	7%	6%
Working class	25%	55%	11%	9%

How easy or difficult do you find it to “fit in” around people who come from more affluent backgrounds than your own?	Easy	Difficult	Not sure
Middle class	71%	19%	10%
Working class	52%	36%	12%

Sample size: 4,860 UK Adults; Fieldwork: 11 to 18 March 2019

Respondents self-identified their class, and self-identified “working class” or “middle class” is what is used here.

86% of working class people think there is a large gap between social classes

86% of people who identify as working class think that there is a large gap between social classes in Britain today, in comparison to just under three quarters of people who identify as middle class (73%).

Just 8% think of people who identify as working class say there is a small gap between social classes, compared to 20% of middle class people.

How large or small do you think the gap is between different social classes in Britain today?	Large gap	Small gap	Not sure
Working class respondents	86%	8%	7%
Middle class respondents	73%	20%	7%

Sample size: 4,860 UK Adults; Fieldwork: 11 to 18 March 2019

Respondents self-identified their class, and self-identified “working class” or “middle class” is what is used here.

Regional differences

People think a geographic postcode lottery exists

Around three quarters of people (76%) believe that there is a very or fairly large difference in the opportunities available in different parts of Britain today, with only 15% saying that there is not much or no difference at all.

Those in the North East and Northern Ireland are most likely to say that there are large differences in opportunities in different parts of Britain today, whilst those in the Midlands and the South East are least likely to say that there are large differences.

How much difference, if any, do you think there is in the opportunities available in different parts of Britain today?	All UK adults
Large difference	76%
Not very much or no difference at all	15%
Do not know	10%

Percentage of adults who say that there are large differences in opportunities in different parts of Britain

Region	Percentage
Northern Ireland	83%
North East	82%
Scotland	79%
South West	79%
London	78%
North West	78%
Wales	77%
Yorkshire and the Humber	75%
East Midlands	73%
South East	72%
East of England	71%
West Midlands	70%

Sample size: 4,860 UK Adults; Fieldwork: 11 to 18 March 2019

People think opportunities are more limited in certain areas

57% of people think that there are good opportunities to progress in their region in comparison to other regions and around a third (32%) think opportunities to progress are poor.

However, there is wide variation across the country: in London more than three quarters (78%) think opportunities to progress are good, and similarly in the South East (74%).

In contrast, less than one third (31%) think opportunities are good to progress in the North East, with 58% thinking opportunities are poor. Less than half also think opportunities are good in Yorkshire and the Humber, the North East, the South West and Wales.

Considering the area you live in, compared to other parts of the United Kingdom, do you think the opportunities available for people to progress are	All UK adults
Good	57%
Poor	32%
Do not know	12%

Thinking about the area you currently live in, compared to other parts of the United Kingdom do you think the opportunities available for people to progress are (by region)

Region	Good	Poor	Do not know
London	75%	11%	11%
South East	74%	16%	11%
East of England	64%	19%	18%
East Midlands	59%	29%	13%
West Midlands	54%	34%	13%
Scotland	54%	37%	9%
Yorkshire and the Humber	49%	40%	11%
North West	48%	41%	12%
South West	47%	43%	11%
Wales	37%	55%	9%
North East	31%	58%	11%

Sample size: 4,860 UK Adults; Fieldwork: 11 to 18 March 2019

Government support

People think that government needs to do more for those at the bottom

Respondents were more supportive of those who are just about managing (JAMs) than those who are least well off with around two thirds of respondents (65%) believe that those who are just about managing (JAMs) are not getting enough government support, whilst only 2% think that they are getting too much support.

This compares to 52% of respondents who believe that those who are least well off not getting enough support, with 11% believing that they get too much.

80% of respondents feel that those who are fairly comfortable financially are either getting too much support or the right amount of support.

Thinking about different groups in society, generally speaking do you think each of the following get too much, not enough or about the right amount of support from the government:	Too much support	About the right amount of support	Not enough support	Do not know
Those who are the least well off	11%	25%	52%	12%
Those who are just about managing	2%	23%	65%	11%
Those who are fairly comfortable financially	21%	55%	8%	15%
Those who are the most well off	56%	24%	3%	17%

Sample size: 4,860 UK Adults; Fieldwork: 11 to 18 March 2019

Over half of respondents think central government should be doing more on social mobility

Half of respondents (50%) think central government should be doing more to impact on social mobility, followed by local government (38%), schools (37%) and employers (34%). Just 5% think none of these should be doing more on social mobility.

However, almost half of respondents think schools are best equipped to have an impact on social mobility (45%), followed by employers (34%) and central government (33%).

Which of the following is best equipped to have an impact on social mobility and ensuring opportunity for all (including those from disadvantaged backgrounds)?	Percentage
Schools	45%
Employers	34%
Central government	33%
Universities and other post-16 providers	30%
Local government	23%
Nurseries	6%
Charities and think-tanks	5%
None of these	5%
Do not know	23%

Which, if any, of the following do you think should be doing more to impact on social mobility and ensuring opportunity for all (including those from disadvantaged backgrounds)?	Percentage
Central government	50%
Local government	38%
Schools	37%
Employers	34%
Universities and other post-16 providers	29%
Charities and think-tanks	7%
Nurseries	7%
None of these	5%
Do not know	22%

Sample size: 4,860 UK Adults; Fieldwork: 11 to 18 March 2019

Trends over time

People feel more positively on some things than previously, but a largely negative view still pervades

There has been a slight increase in the percentage of people that think there is a large gap between people from different social classes since last year, with 77% feeling that there is a large gap.

The proportion of people that think it is harder for people from less advantaged backgrounds to move up in British society has stayed largely stable since last year (39 per cent), alongside the proportion who think it is easier (22%). This will be an important trend to monitor in future years.

There has been a slight fall in the proportion who think where you end up is mainly determined by your background or who your parents were (46% to 44%).

Percentage that think there is a gap is between different social classes in Britain today:	March 2017	March 2018	October 2018	March 2019
Large	79%	76%	75%	77%
Small	12%	13%	14%	13%
Not sure	9%	11%	11%	9%

Is it becoming easier or harder for people from less advantaged backgrounds to move up in British society:	March 2017	March 2018	March 2019
Harder	44%	40%	39%
Same	29%	29%	29%
Easier	18%	21%	22%
Not sure	9%	10%	10%

Do you think your family background gave you any advantages or disadvantages in your career:	March 2017	March 2018	March 2019
None	51%	53%	51%
Advantages	26%	23%	26%
Disadvantages	16%	16%	15%
Not sure	7%	8%	7%

Which of the following best reflects your view:	March 2017	March 2018	March 2019
Everyone has a fair chance to go as far as their talent and hard work will take them	32%	33%	35%
Where you end up mainly determined by your background or who your parents were	48%	46%	44%
Neither	13%	14%	14%
Do not know	7%	8%	7%

Do you think your family background gave you any advantages or disadvantages in your education:	March 2017	March 2018	March 2019
None	43%	45%	44%
Advantages	35%	32%	35%
Disadvantages	17%	17%	15%
Not sure	5%	5%	6%

Do you think your family background gave you any advantages or disadvantages in your progression at work:	March 2017	March 2018	March 2019
None	57%	59%	59%
Advantages	23%	18%	20%
Disadvantages	13%	13%	12%
Not sure	8%	9%	9%

Sample size for March 2017: 4723 UK Adults. Fieldwork: 6 to 9 March 2017. Sample size for March 2018: 5520 UK Adults. Fieldwork: 19 to 22 March 2018. Sample size for October 2018: 1656 GB Adults. Fieldwork: 9 to 10 October 2018. Sample size for March 2019: 4,860 UK adults. Fieldwork: 11 to 18 March 2019.

There is a small increase in the percentage of people that think there are regional differences, and that people need more support

There is a small but growing increase in the proportion of people that think there are large differences in the opportunities available in different parts of Britain today, to 76% in 2019 (up from 73% in 2018, and 71% in 2017).

There has been a slight increase in people thinking the least well off don’t have enough support (52%, compared to 49% in 2018). Similarly, there is a small but growing increase in those that think the ‘just about managing’ need more support, with 65% thinking this in 2019 (up from 63% in 2018, and 61% in 2017).

The proportion of people who think that their financial situation is better than it was 10 years ago is unchanged from previous years (37%), whilst slightly fewer think it is worse (29%, compared to 31% in 2018).

How much difference, if any, do you think there is in the opportunities available in different parts of Britain today:	March 2017	March 2018	March 2019
Large differences	71%	73%	76%
Not very much or no difference	18%	16%	15%
Do not know	11%	11%	10%

Would you say your current financial situation is better or worse than it was ten years ago or is it about the same:	March 2017	March 2018	March 2019
Better	37%	37%	37%
Same	31%	31%	29%
Worse	28%	25%	26%
Do not know	5%	6%	7%

Do you think those who are least well off get too much, not enough, or about the right amount of support from the government?

Those who are the least well off:	March 2017	March 2018	March 2019
Not enough	49%	49%	52%
Right amount	25%	26%	25%
Too much	12%	12%	11%
Do not know	13%	13%	12%

Those who are just about managing	March 2017	March 2018	March 2019
Not enough	61%	63%	65%
Right amount	25%	23%	23%
Too much	2%	2%	2%
Do not know	12%	12%	11%

Those who are fairly comfortable financially	March 2017	March 2018	March 2019
Not enough	8%	7%	8%
Right amount	51%	55%	55%
Too much	26%	21%	21%
Do not know	15%	16%	15%

Those who are the most well off	March 2017	March 2018	March 2019
Not enough	3%	3%	3%
Right amount	22%	23%	24%
Too much	58%	55%	56%
Do not know	17%	19%	17%

Sample size for March 2017: 4,723 UK Adults. Fieldwork: 6 to 9 March 2017. Sample size for March 2018: 5,520 UK Adults. Fieldwork: 19 to 22 March 2018. Sample size for October 2018: 1,656 GB Adults. Fieldwork: 9 to 10 October 2018. Sample size for March 2019: 4,860 UK adults. Fieldwork: 11 to 18 March 2019.

About the Commission

The Social Mobility Commission is an advisory non-departmental public body established under the Life Chances Act 2010 as modified by the Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016. It has a duty to assess progress in improving social mobility in the UK and to promote social mobility in England. It consists of thirteen commissioners and is supported by a small secretariat.

The Commission board comprises:

• Dame Martina Milburn (Chair)
• Alastair da Costa, Chair of Capital City College Group
• Farrah Storr, Editor-in-chief of Elle
• Harvey Matthewson, Aviation Activity Officer at Aerobility
• Jessica Oghenegweke, Broadcast & Digital Programme Coordinator at The Roundhouse
• Jody Walker, Senior Vice President at TJX Europe (TK Maxx and Home Sense in the UK)
• Liz Williams, Group Director of Digital Society at BT
• Pippa Dunn, Founder of Broody, helping entrepreneurs and start ups
• Saeed Atcha, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Youth Leads UK
• Sam Friedman, Associate Professor in Sociology at London School of Economics
• Sammy Wright, Vice Principal of Southmoor Academy, Sunderland
• Sandra Wallace, Managing Partner UK and Joint Managing Director Europe at DLA Piper
• Steven Cooper, Chief Executive Officer C. Hoare & Co

The functions of the Commission include:

• monitoring progress on improving social mobility
• providing published advice to ministers on matters relating to social mobility
• undertaking social mobility advocacy

Social Mobility Commission
Sanctuary Buildings
20 Great Smith Street
London
SW1P 3BT

[email protected]