Drivers of social mobility

Drivers of social mobility are the background conditions that make social mobility easier.

Highlighted data

Childhood poverty

The percentage of children living in relative poverty in the UK (after housing costs) has gone up to around 30% since 2012, below the levels reached in the 1990s, but higher than in the 1960s and 1970s.

Read more about childhood poverty

Youth unemployment

Unemployment among young people is the lowest it has been since 2014, at 11% in 2022.

Read more about youth unemployment

Broadband speed

The percentage of homes and businesses with ‘gigabit’ internet availability has gone up across the UK since 2020, reaching 76% in 2023.

Read more about broadband speed

Elsewhere in State of the Nation 2024

Mobility outcomes look at people's occupations, educational levels and housing situations, typically in their 40s and 50s.

Intermediate outcomes focus on the experiences of young people as they move through education and into work.

Read the full report

State of the Nation 2024 on GOV.UK