A new report has highlighted how persistent regional inequalities across the UK are limiting access to opportunity, calling for coordinated action from businesses, policymakers, and local communities to address the issue.
The report, Unlocking Regional Barriers to Social Mobility: Insights and Recommendations for Business and Policymakers, draws on consultations held in Belfast, Cardiff, Leeds, Glasgow, and Exeter. It brings together insights from businesses, local authorities, and civil society organisations, offering a grounded view of the challenges faced across different regions.
Its findings paint a clear picture: where a person grows up continues to have a significant influence on their life chances. Rural, post-industrial, and peripheral areas are particularly affected, with disparities in economic outcomes and access to opportunity remaining stark.
The report also highlights a lack of coordination between sectors as a key barrier to progress. Fragmented initiatives, alongside inconsistent use of socio-economic data, are limiting the effectiveness of current efforts to improve social mobility.
Importantly, the research suggests that barriers extend beyond education and skills. Factors such as workplace culture, transport access, and the complexity of the apprenticeship system are all contributing to unequal outcomes, affecting both individuals and employers—especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Steve Kenzie, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network UK, said the findings should be seen not only as a social challenge but also as an economic opportunity.
“Advancing social mobility is a clear business opportunity,” he said. “Companies that actively widen access to opportunity strengthen their talent pipelines, improve employee engagement and retention, and build a more productive, resilient workforce.”
The report echoes concerns raised by the Social Mobility Commission about the extent of regional disparities. Resham Kotecha, Deputy Chair of the Commission, stressed the importance of localised solutions.
“Too often, postcodes shape people’s futures before they have the chance to choose their own path,” she said. “But no two regions face identical challenges. We must devolve decision-making to those on the ground and strengthen collaboration between local businesses, schools, and government to tackle geographic inequality.”
To address these issues, the report sets out a series of practical recommendations. These include the creation of regional social mobility hubs to bring together employers, educators, and local authorities, as well as improved data collection and accountability measures within businesses.
It also calls for more inclusive, place-based recruitment practices, better alignment between transport systems and employment pathways, and clearer guidance on the Government’s Growth and Skills Levy to support wider uptake—particularly among SMEs.
The report ultimately argues that tackling regional inequality requires sustained collaboration across sectors, with solutions tailored to the specific needs of each area.
As policymakers and businesses look to drive inclusive growth, the findings serve as a reminder that unlocking opportunity across the UK will depend not only on national policy, but on local action and long-term commitment.
Kim Cockayne