Future Earnings Impact of Socioeconomic Disadvantage 2024-12-18

2024-12-18

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
David Williams Lab
Stoke-on-Trent North
Context
Research shows socioeconomic background impacts future earnings. Median pay in Stoke-on-Trent is nearly £70 less per week than the England average.
There is a clear link between low household income and poorer educational outcomes leading to reduced future earnings. In Stoke-on-Trent, median pay is nearly £70 less per week than the England average. Does the Minister agree that tackling regional income inequalities is critical if we are to promote social mobility and enable all people to succeed in life?
I agree with my hon. Friend that it is absolutely crucial that we take action on regional inequalities. He champions that cause very strongly on his constituents' behalf. We have set out an ambitious plan for the future of the minimum wage, and we are taking action to ensure that all workers receive more money in their pockets to spend. More children than ever arrive at school with support, so by the end of reception they are ready for the next stage.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specifically address regional income inequalities or provide concrete actions beyond general principles
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Sarah Smith Lab
Hyndburn
Context
Research shows one in five women and girls experience period poverty, leading to a gender-based injustice costing £3.3 billion annually in lost work.
The Bloody Good Period campaign research reveals that one in five women and girls experiences period poverty, causing a further gender penalty beyond socioeconomic disadvantage. This costs the UK billions (£3.3 billion) in annual lost work. What is the Government doing to tackle period poverty? Are there plans for the taskforce on this issue to reconvene?
We are tackling root causes of poverty through measures like boosting the living wage, investing in public services so no one goes without essentials. There are great programmes supporting women with period products in education settings.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify any concrete plans or actions regarding period poverty taskforce reconvening
Response accuracy
Q3 Direct Answer
Euan Stainbank Lab
Falkirk
Context
One in five fathers does not take paternity leave due to financial inadequacy, driving family inequality and increasing the gender pay gap.
Proper paternity and maternity pay are essential for breaking links between current income and future life opportunities. Currently, one in five fathers does not take available paternity leave because it is financially inadequate. This drives family inequality, increases the gender pay gap as women pick up caring responsibilities, and lowers household income. Does the Minister agree that parental leave is crucial? What actions are Ministers considering to better support parents and families?
I strongly agree that we want to give families more choices. Through the Employment Rights Bill, we will make paternity leave available from day one in a new job and enable it after shared parental leave. We will review the system to better support working families.
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Natasha Irons Lab
Croydon East
Context
Research highlights a stark class pay gap, with professionals from working-class backgrounds earning on average 12% less than their more privileged counterparts in the same roles. Few large organisations monitor socioeconomic background.
Independent research shows a significant class pay gap of 12%, affecting workers from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who find it difficult to get higher-skilled jobs. Despite this, few large organisations monitor socioeconomic data. Will the Minister consider mandating larger organisations to monitor socioeconomic backgrounds to highlight social mobility?
I share my hon. Friend's concern and we are committed to enacting the socioeconomic duty of the Equality Act 2010, providing more information in due course. I encourage businesses and organisations to collect data where possible.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm specific plans for mandating monitoring by larger organisations
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
David Williams Lab
Stoke-on-Trent North
Context
Low household income links to poorer educational outcomes and reduced future earnings. Stoke-on-Trent median pay is nearly £70 less per week than the England average.
Merry Christmas, Mr Speaker. There's a clear link between low household income and poor educational outcomes leading to lower future earnings. In Stoke-on-Trent, median pay is nearly £70 less per week compared to the England average. Does tackling regional income inequalities promote social mobility and enable all people to succeed in life?
I agree it's crucial we take action on regional inequalities. He champions this strongly. We have an ambitious minimum wage plan, taking steps to ensure workers receive more money in their pockets.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific actions for tackling regional income inequalities beyond general support
Response accuracy
Q6 Direct Answer
John Glen Con
Salisbury
Context
Vincent Keaveny, a recent Lord Mayor of the City of London, highlighted data collection processes that do not need to be expensive.
In the City of London, ensuring maximum people from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds get into the industry is crucial. Recently met Vincent Keaveny, who made significant progress understanding data collection does not have to be expensive. Will the Secretary of State contact her ministerial colleagues and the Financial Conduct Authority about this opportunity?
I am more than happy to do that. I congratulate the right hon. Gentleman on his work, as it is a cause we can all get behind.
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Jessica Brown-Fuller Lib Dem
Chichester
Context
Women are far more likely to reduce working hours or leave work entirely to look after loved ones, putting them at a financial disadvantage.
Women carers significantly reducing working hours or giving up jobs for loved ones puts them in a financial disadvantage. Does the Secretary of State agree that introducing free personal care and reforming social care would keep more women in work longer?
I understand the hon. Lady's important point. Increased carer's allowance threshold delivered a big boost, but challenges remain. Health Secretary is taking action to transform social care.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to Lib Dem policy on free personal care and reforming social care specifically
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Alison Griffiths Con
Bognor Regis and Littlehampton
Context
The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill was introduced to the House, aiming to reverse school reforms that have improved English children's performance in international league tables.
How can the Government possibly say they want to break down barriers to opportunity when they are reversing reforms that have transformed the lives of the most disadvantaged students?
I am determined to drive high and rising standards right across our schools system. One in four disadvantaged children leave primary school without reaching a good standard in English and maths, one in five are persistently absent from school, and we inherited a special educational needs and disabilities system in crisis.
Assessment & feedback
Specific plans to support disadvantaged students despite reversing reforms were not addressed
I Do Not Know Which Bill The Hon. Lady Has Been Reading
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Kirsty Blackman SNP
Aberdeen North
Context
Low-earning women are less likely to have sufficient private pensions compared to their male counterparts.
Is the decision that governmental responsibility ends when working age ends due to low-earning women being far less likely to accumulate sufficient private pensions?
The hon. Lady raises an important point about some of the differences in pensions. I am more than happy to pick that up with the relevant Minister to ensure she receives a full response.
Assessment & feedback
No direct answer or specific information on gender disparity in pension accumulation was provided
I Am More Than Happy To Pick That Up With The Relevant Minister
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Mims Davies Con
East Grinstead and Uckfield
Context
Hospitality workers include 17% who are disabled, 20% from ethnic minority groups, and over 54% women. Increased costs due to higher business rates could drive down future earnings.
What conversations have taken place between the Secretary of State and the Chancellor on the impact of increased business rates and £3.4 billion in additional costs on future hospitality sector earnings?
The hon. Lady knows as well as I do that the Government inherited a £22 billion black hole from the Conservative party. We have had to make some difficult decisions in order to stabilise our economy and get it back on track.
Assessment & feedback
Specific details about conversations with the Chancellor were not addressed
The Hon. Lady Knows As Well As I Do That The Government Inherited A £22 Billion Black Hole From The Conservative Party
Response accuracy