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The Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has unveiled a new social mobility plan for the UK which aims to get more students from less well-off families into internships.
Mr Clegg says that he would like to see companies offer everyone a fair chance when it comes to internships rather than placements being allocated on the basis of ‘who your father’s friends’ might be.
As new statistics reveal that most top professional jobs are filled by the 7 per cent of students who schooled independently, Mr Clegg said that their social mobility strategy would strive to give everyone a fair chance no matter what their background or age.
Shedding some light on how he believes companies must currently award internships, Mr Clegg said they shouldn’t be decided by someone ‘who has met someone in the tennis club or golf club.’
“For too long, internships have been the almost exclusive preserve of the sharp-elbowed and the well-connected. Unfair, informal internships can rig the market in favour of those who already have opportunities. We want a fair job market based on merit, not networks. It should be about what you know, not who you know,” offered the Deputy Prime Minister.
In an effort not alienate the middle classes, Mr Clegg was keen to say that the social mobility plan would also seek to help middle-income families too - even if they didn’t have particularly sharp elbows.
Deputy Labour Leader, Harriet Harman rounded on the government saying they had instigated, ‘an assault on the opportunities for young people, especially the poorest.’
“I'm afraid the deputy prime minister gave up the right to pontificate on social mobility when he abolished education maintenance allowances, trebled tuition fees and betrayed a generation of young people. When I heard the deputy prime minister was going to launch a commission on social mobility I thought it was April Fools' Day,” revealed Ms Harman.
No matter what your background, we aim to help you find the work experience or internships you need to further your career. If you can’t find an internship or work placement that suits you then it’s also a great idea to consider taking on a part time job or some holiday work to make your CV look more impressive than your peers. See if you can get some work experience today in our Internships & Work Experience section.
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