Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated) on Wednesday, 1 February 2017, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 February 2017. It was answered by Lord Nash (Conservative) on Friday, 10 February 2017 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Pay

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of claims that UK professionals from working-class backgrounds are paid almost £7,000 less on average each year than those from wealthier families.

Answer: We recognise that all too often family background determines success in later life, even when in a good job. We are determined that education should play a central role in reversing that by ensuring all young people have access to the right knowledge and skills, high quality, timely advice, and opportunities for challenging, life-shaping experiences. Employers also need to do more to attract and draw out the talents of employees from all backgrounds.

Secondary information