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Public sector manager profiles will remain ‘stale, male and pale', unless social mobility improves, according to a Government report. The Panel on Fair Access to top professions warned jobs, including local government management, had become more socially exclusive. As a consequence, bright children from average-income families, not just those from more disadvantaged backgrounds, were missing out on a professional career. It revealed 45% of top civil servants were independently schooled, and a long-term decline in the non-graduate routes into professions. The report, published by the Cabinet Office, will be followed by final recommendations to the prime minister later this summer on ways to improve opportunities. As the battle rages over equal pay in local government, the report pointed to progress on narrowing the pay gap between male and female professionals. But experts also revealed only one in five young people from average backgrounds and one in eight young people from poorer backgrounds currently aspired to be a professional. Former health secretary, Alan Milburn, who is chairing the panel, expressed concern that a glass ceiling had been allowed to develop in key sectors. Mr Milburn said: ‘While progress has been made, there is still a long way to go to ensure that all young people get a fair crack of the whip when it comes to pursuing a professional career. ‘It is shocking that, despite the best efforts of many professions, they seem to have become more not less socially exclusive. ‘Bright children from middle class families as well as those from poorer backgrounds are missing out on top professional jobs. ‘Many professions are working hard to put this right, but their efforts need to be intensified.' Fair Access Panel Research Paper

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WHITEHALL

Profession 'still dogged by lack of social mobility'

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