Why Social Is the last Domino to fall in DEI

Freelancing offers flexibility and independence, but it can also be challenging for newcomers. Here are some tips to help you succeed.Despite progress on diversity in areas like gender, race, and sexuality, socioeconomic background (SEB) remains the overlooked priority in DEI. It is often seen as the "last domino to fall" because class and background are harder to see, measure, and discuss. This paper explores why SEB is under-addressed, the barriers faced by individuals and organisations, and the urgent case for action. Social mobility is both a moral imperative and a business strategy, unlocking untapped talent, building stronger pipelines, and driving wider economic growth.

Key Themes from the Report

• How young people are falling behind – today’s social mobility crisis
  Declining wages, shrinking opportunities, and entrenched inequalities mean upward mobility is stalling, leaving many focused on avoiding downward mobility instead.
• Why employees hesitate to discuss socioeconomic background
  Conversations about class feel deeply personal; stigma, vulnerability, and language barriers make individuals reluctant to share their background.
• Nerves, vulnerability & deficit language
  Fear of judgment, lack of psychological safety, and the use of deficit-based terms (e.g. “disadvantaged background”) reinforce stigma and hold back progress.
• Family connections and inherited advantage
  Access to opportunities is increasingly dependent on parental networks and support, reinforcing cycles of privilege and disadvantage.
• Business barriers: why social mobility is overlooked
  Organisations struggle with privacy concerns, myths of meritocracy, and class bias - alongside broader macroeconomic and political pressures that deprioritise SEB.
• The meritocracy myth & classism
  The belief that hard work alone determines success ignores structural barriers, with research showing SEB has the biggest impact on progression opportunities.
• The business case for social mobility (ROI)
  Evidence shows widening access strengthens talent pipelines, addresses skills shortages, and boosts community connection, brand reputation, and innovation.
• Macroeconomic impact
  Improving social mobility could add £19bn to UK GDP annually, boost profits, and reduce inequality across society.
• Connecting to organisations – talent pipelining & community engagement
  Case studies from Puig, Travelodge, KPMG, and Browne Jacobson demonstrate how embedding social mobility in recruitment, outreach, and development creates tangible impact.