Research has found that more companies are reducing barriers to opportunity for young people, so that what their parents did, where they grew up and the school they attended, do not limit their chances.

The Social Mobility Employer Index 2023 of 143 organisations discovered that many employers have reduced minimum grade restrictions for graduates, apprentices and school leavers to ensure these routes into work are available to people with all backgrounds.

In addition, the survey found that 56.8 per cent of index entrants employ contextual recruitment, while 32.6 per cent do not consider grades at all.

The report found that, although there is progress, “too many employers are still offering unpaid internships”. It said: “This contributes to young people from low socioeconomic backgrounds being pushed out of opportunities that improve employability.”

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