How we're driving social mobility through inclusive employment
Post-war Britain demonstrated the transformative power of employment. Expanded public services, economic growth, and investment created a “golden age” of social mobility - opening up new career pathways and raising living standards across society.
Today, social mobility has stalled. Rising inequality, youth unemployment, and rapid economic change are limiting access to opportunity.
The challenge
The barriers to sustainable employment are growing:
- Youth unemployment is at a five-year high
- One in five people now earn less than their parents
- Long-term unemployment carries significant economic and social costs
- Barriers persist for disadvantaged groups, including ex-offenders and veterans
These challenges affect communities, public services, and long-term growth.
The Response
Government initiatives - including funding for jobs and apprenticeships and targeted employment programmes - demonstrate a renewed focus on improving access to work.
Public service providers like Serco have a critical role to play in delivering this ambition by removing barriers, creating pathways, and supporting people into sustainable employment.
At Serco, we believe employment is the foundation of thriving communities and since 2021, we've helped nearly 22,000 long-term unemployed people into sustained employment through our work for the DWP.
It's this belief which powers Believe in People - our campaign to create meaningful opportunities for everyone to realise their potential.
We're committed to:
- Reduce barriers to employment
- Improve access to skills and training
- Create fair and inclusive pathways into work
We’ve recently launched a new initiative called Serco Pathways focused on opening-up meaningful work for people who have historically faced exclusion.
Through structured support, targeted partnerships and hiring reforms, we’re helping individuals build stable careers while strengthening our own workforce, so we can deliver more for the citizens we serve.
Find out more about Serco Pathways.
Supporting prison leavers
Employment is one of the most effective ways to reduce reoffending and support successful rehabilitation.
In partnership with the MoJ and social enterprises like Offploy, we’re helping reduce reoffending by improving access to employment.
Through tailored training programmes and inclusive recruitment practices, prison leavers gain the skills and opportunities needed to reintegrate into the workforce.
Tackling youth unemployment
Youth unemployment is now at its highest for over a decade. Using apprenticeships to tackle this has been one of the government’s biggest priorities.
We’re committed to investing in apprenticeships and early careers pathways. Partnerships with specialist training providers ensure high-quality learning, helping young people build confidence, skills and long-term career prospects.
We’re also exploring community-based approaches, delivering employment support through local leisure centres - connecting wellbeing, confidence, and career development.
Real-world impact
Emma Copeland’s journey highlights the power of opportunity.
After long-term unemployment, she joined Serco through the Restart Scheme, a DWP programme, completed a Level 3 apprenticeship, and secured a full-time role supporting others into work. She is currently undertaking a Level 4 apprenticeship.
Her continued progression with Serco demonstrates how the right support can unlock potential and create lasting change. Hear more from Emma as she shares her experiences.
Looking ahead
Improving social mobility requires collaboration across government, business, and communities.
As a public service provider, we are uniquely positioned to:
- Scale impactful employment programmes
- Strengthen partnerships with government
- Deliver joined-up, citizen-focused services
