The Privileged Few or The Poverty Line? It’s In Our Gift To Change The Dial Through Action Not Just Words!

On Saturday morning, whilst nursing the onset of the flu - my first since 2019 - I read an alarming article titled ‘“Frustrated” businesses seek staff abroad as Britons abandon work’. According to this article, ‘more than 9 million people of working age have dropped out of the jobs market’, meanwhile ‘the economically inactive population has increased by 884,000 since before the pandemic’.

This is a growing issue and one that we have been aware of, but these figures are particularly concerning as 2.8 million of the 5 million people on out-of-work benefits are ‘neither in work nor looking for a job because of long-term sickness’.

This article had a profound effect on me and impelled me to write further on the subject. In all of our organisations, whether Enterprise for Life, X-Forces Enterprise, or X-Emergency Services, supporting the economically inactive and empowering individuals to see their societal value is one of our primary motivations. In order to understand what needs to be done to improve these numbers stated by the Telegraph, we must first consider – are we addressing the key issues?

In an era marked by widening wealth disparities, it is imperative to acknowledge the pressing need to support working age individuals, and address why people are economically inactive, before we consider actions. Failing to acknowledge this issue can deepen the divide between the privileged few and those on the poverty line. By examining why this support is crucial, we can work towards building an inclusive society that values the well-being and progression of all individuals.

I have highlighted the five thought-provoking ways that we can move the dial…

? Enhancing Social Mobility

? Upholding Progression

? Tackling Poverty

? Reducing Social Fragmentation

? Promoting Economic Stability for All

1. Enhancing Social Mobility:

Supporting social mobility, granting everyone an equal opportunity to progress. Those who are economically inactive often face barriers that hinder their access to education, skills development, and employment. By offering targeted support, such as education initiatives, vocational training programs, and financial assistance, we equip individuals with the tools to achieve upward mobility, thus narrowing the gap between different socio-economic groups.

2. Upholding Progression:

Support is essential for upholding the inherent progression of every individual. Economic inactivity can result from various factors such as disability, care-giving responsibilities, through to limited job opportunities. By recognising the worth and potential of individuals, we emphasise the importance of human rights and fairness whilst ensuring that everyone, regardless of their economic status, has a fair chance to thrive.

3. Tackling Poverty:

Inclusive support plays a pivotal role in alleviating poverty. Poverty cycles can perpetuate across generations, and therefore limit opportunities. By providing assistance, whether through adequate social benefits or access to training and reintegration programmes, we can empower individuals and give them the tools to advance from debilitating cycles.

4. Reducing Social Fragmentation:

Enabling support contributes to reducing social fragmentation. When large segments of society face economic exclusion, social cohesion suffers, and divisions deepen. By actively supporting individuals facing economic hurdles, we foster inclusivity and create a sense of shared responsibility. This, in turn, strengthens communities and paves the way for a collective effort and positive outcomes.

5. Promoting Economic Stability for All:

Neglecting support jeopardises overall economic stability. A society marked by stark economic disparities faces weakened consumer demand and reduced workforce productivity. By addressing the needs of those who are struggling, we unlock their potential as contributors to the economy, fostering an environment where everyone has the opportunity to participate actively and generate economic growth.

Finally, supporting the economically inactive is imperative if we are to avoid widening the troubling rift between those on the poverty line and the privileged few. By recognising that support packages are essential to combating poverty, promoting social cohesion, enhancing social mobility, and securing economic stability, we build a society that values fairness and promotes the well-being of each member. Embracing inclusive policies and efforts to uplift is not only morally the correct thing to do but also an essential step towards a prosperous and equitable future for everyone.

Well, we have been talking about levelling up for some time now!

For me and the Team, 2024 is all about working with like minded people, organisations, and partners to ensure those most at risk are the first to be supported.

Martin Wing Alan Spence Gareth McBain Prof Gary Packham Clinton R. Peter Mills Sir Nick Pope Tony Underwood Tina McKenzie MBE Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Office for Veterans' Affairs Jonathan Smith Mark Neill British Business Bank Kemi Badenoch Nusrat Ghani Jonathan Reynolds MP Caroline Lavelle Daniel Elser Department for Business and Trade Keir Starmer Sarah Atherton Claire Kennedy MCMI ChMC Vish Valivety, MCMI ChMC Edel Harris OBE -