White working class boys need jobs, not ‘schemes’
White working class boys have the worst educational outcomes in England, but distorting the labour market in their favour is not the answer.
White British pupils on free school meals have the lowest educational outcomes in England. Bridget Phillipson, the minister for women and equalities, plans to address class inequality by establishing a dedicated unit within the Office for Equality and Opportunity. White working class boys have the highest educational underperformance, with only 36% achieving a Grade 4 or above in English and Maths GCSE.
This situation leads to professional difficulties, with white British FSM men earning 15% less than the average student. The Equality Act has created a legal obligation to enforce 'equality,' which has resulted in certain groups receiving opportunities they haven't earned. The real drivers of unequal outcomes in Britain are class, geography, and family stability, not discrimination.
The government should focus on providing job opportunities for white working class boys by getting out of their way, rather than distorting the labour market and introducing top-down schemes.
Written by urgent.news from City AM's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
