Anti-DEI Policies Threaten Opportunities for UK Youth, Says Social Mobility Charity CEO
In an increasingly globalized world, policies originating from other countries can have unintended consequences on the UK’s youth. According to Leila Thomas, CEO and Founder of the award-winning social mobility charity Urban Synergy, the rise of Anti-DEI (diversity, equality, and inclusion) policies in the US is quietly undermining opportunities for young people in the UK.
“We are seeing the chilling ‘Trump effect’ here in the UK,” says Thomas. “We are hearing back from our young people about withdrawn job and educational offers, and we know some firms are pausing to reassess their diversity strategy because of external pressures.”
The impact of these policies extends far beyond the boardroom. Thomas argues that the dismantling of progress on social mobility, gender and ethnic diversity, creates fewer opportunities for underrepresented students, jeopardizing their access to mentorship, opportunities, and a future they deserve.
“These policies are not just about corporate box-ticking or so-called ‘woke’ culture,” Thomas explains. “Every time a company steps back from or pauses DEI, a young person loses access to mentorship, to opportunities, to a future they deserve.”
Urban Synergy believes that the impact of Anti-DEI policies is threefold, compromising progress on social mobility, ethnic and gender diversity, and harming young people in the UK.
One of the major consequences of these policies is the reduction in opportunities for young people. Companies pulling back on DEI initiatives risk jeopardizing internships, mentoring schemes, and access to careers for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The lack of DEI policies in the workplace can also have a negative impact on inclusion, wellbeing, and potentially mental health. Without a commitment to diversity and inclusion, work environments become less welcoming for minority groups, leading to increased mental health challenges and fewer safe spaces to thrive.
Moreover, these policies also weaken the UK’s future workforce. Without a focus on diversity and inclusion, the UK risks building a workforce that is unprepared for the challenges of a globally diverse economy, limiting competitiveness and innovation. Additionally, the absence of DEI policies may also result in an increase in lawsuits for companies.
The EY Parker Review, which aims to improve ethnic minority representation in UK leadership roles, is also at risk due to Anti-DEI policies. “The message sent is clear – diversity is optional, and inclusion is no longer a priority,” says Thomas.
In light of these concerning developments, Urban Synergy is calling on business leaders and educators to protect the future of young talent. “We must not let political agendas derail decades of progress,” states Thomas. “It’s time to stand up for equal opportunity and inclusive growth.”
According to recent statistics from the Office for National Statistics, the number of young people aged 16 to 24 years not in education, employment, or training (NEET) has increased to 987,000. Furthermore, research from UCL shows that graduates from low socio-economic backgrounds are 32% less likely to receive a job offer than those from more wealthy backgrounds, and black and Asian applicants are 45% and 29% respectively less likely to receive an offer than white applicants.
Since 2007, Urban Synergy has been working to bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity for young people in urban areas. Through dynamic mentoring, career insight events, and real-world work experiences, the charity has supported over 35,000 young people, building confidence and skills to help them reach their full potential.
Urban Synergy works predominantly with children and students from schools with high rates of free school meals and exclusion. To learn more about their work and how to support their mission, visit their website or use the contact page to get in touch.
