Just one in seven young people think they have the best chance of moving up in society, a new poll has found.
Younger people are the most pessimistic about their future and only one in eight believe they will have better finances and living standards compared to older generations.
The survey, of more than 5,000 people, reveals that only 15 per cent of 18-to-24-year-olds think their generation – born in 1980s and 1990s – has the most opportunity to move up in society.
And the majority (52 per cent) of all respondents think that central government should be doing more to improve social mobility, according to the YouGov poll.
Two in five (40 per cent) think it is getting harder for people from poorer families to move up in society, almost twice as many as those who think it is becoming easier.
The survey, published to coincide with the launch of the new Social Mobility Commission, finds that nearly half of people say that life chances depend heavily on who your parents are – while only a third think that everyone, regardless of background, has a fair chance to get on.
And the over 65s are much more likely to think that apprenticeships offer the best opportunity for progression, compared to the young people that many of these roles are aimed at, the survey found.
Martina Milburn, the latest chair of the Social Mobility Commission, said: “If we fail to act too many young people will continue to face challenges getting into colleges, universities and employment.
“We all need to do more to tackle these issues, but there needs to be renewed focus from government, educators and employers.”
Ms Milburn will announce on Tuesday that the government has allocated an extra £2m to commission new research as she introduces twelve new commissioners at the relaunch.
Last year, all four members on the board of the Social Mobility Commission stood down in protest at the government’s lack of progress towards a "fairer Britain".
The new commissioners – which include three people who are under 23 – are hoping to have a better grasp of the issues facing young people.
Saeed Atcha, one of the new commissioners, who is 22, said: "The poll shows [young people] are pessimistic about their future and they do not have the right opportunities. It’s vital that we take urgent steps to address this.”
Education Secretary Damian Hinds said: “This government strongly believes that everyone should have the chance to fulfil their potential, and where you start in life should not determine future success. We have taken great strides to improve social mobility.”
He highlighted that the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers had reduced and extra support had been targeted at the poorest areas of the country to raise standards.
Mr Hinds added: “Whilst potential and talent is evenly spread, the opportunities to make the most of it sometimes aren’t, which is why the work the Social Mobility Commission do is so important and why we are investing £2m to expand its research and spread good practice.”
