REDDITCH MP Rachel Maclean has signed the Social Mobility Pledge and has called on Redditch businesses to do likewise.
The MP has become a Social Mobility Pledge accredited employer demonstrating her commitment to accessing talent from all backgrounds.
Former Education Secretary Justine Greening MP launched the Social Mobility Pledge earlier this year and already top employers including Adidas, ITV, Vodafone and Aviva, have signed up.
The aim is to encourage businesses to play their part in boosting social mobility in the UK.
Figures show that just one in eight children from low income backgrounds is likely to become a high earner as an adult, and just five elite schools sent more pupils to Oxford and Cambridge universities than nearly 2,000 schools, which make up two thirds of the entire state school system.
The Pledge commits businesses and employers to work with schools and colleges to provide coaching and mentoring for children from disadvantaged backgrounds to help improve their life chances.
“Ensuring everyone, no matter their background, has the opportunity to get on in life is a cause very close to my heart,” said Mrs Maclean.
“The mentors scheme I have launched will see Redditch businesses link up with schools and colleges in our town to mentor young people, provide them with support and encourage them to reach their full potential.
“This is what the Social Mobility Pledge is all about and I’m proud of my record in employing staff from a range of backgrounds.
“I’m a proud product of the state school system myself and so I’m passionate about ensuring more children from state school backgrounds take the top jobs in the UK.
“I’ve already written to hundreds of businesses here in Redditch to encourage them to join me and sign the Social Mobility Pledge. Together we can make sure everyone here in Redditch, no matter their background, can achieve their full potential.”
