More than 80% of 16- to 18-year-olds express the need to relocate from their current areas for better prospects and opportunities. This sentiment is echoed by over 90% of respondents surveyed in the north-east, Yorkshire, and the east of England.
According to a recent study conducted by the Social Mobility Foundation, over 85% of the 2,000 participants felt the urge to leave their hometowns in search of improved circumstances. The figures were even higher in the east of England (95%), the north-east (91%), Yorkshire (90%), and the north-west (88%).
Tom Brennan, an 18-year-old resident of Ipswich, candidly voices his opinion on the matter: “Truth be told, the town’s main advantage is its proximity to London. There are limited opportunities and events available here.”
Upon completing his studies, Brennan aspires to become a programmer. However, he laments the scarcity of computer science positions in Ipswich. “I’ll most likely move to London,” Brennan remarked. “Although I’ll miss my family, there isn’t much else I’ll miss about Ipswich.”
Sharing the same sentiments, 18-year-old Amna Rashid, a resident of Preston, voiced her dissatisfaction with the lack of activities available in her area. She often finds herself visiting larger cities like Liverpool and Manchester to find entertainment.
Rashid intends to forge a career in computer science. However, she believes Preston does not offer ample opportunities in the tech field. She expressed the need to travel to London for work experience and bemoaned the absence of internships or apprenticeships in her hometown. “While moving will have an emotional impact, my family fully supports the decision. They understand that leaving Preston is the best course of action,” Rashid explained.
The east of England harbors some of the most deprived towns in the country, including Jaywick, which has been identified as the UK’s most deprived area. In 2018, the United Nations special rapporteur visited this town in Essex to investigate poverty in Britain.
Lisa Nandy, the shadow cabinet minister for international development, highlights the predicament faced by young individuals who feel compelled “to get out to get on,” as the towns they leave behind continue to suffer. Nandy emphasizes that Labour’s objective of achieving the highest sustained growth in the G7 would create good jobs nationwide, eliminating the need for young people to choose between home, family, and new opportunities.
Professor Lee Elliot Major, a social mobility expert at the University of Exeter, expresses deep concern over these findings. He states, “It should not be necessary to leave one’s hometown to achieve success. This survey sadly reflects the profoundly unequal opportunities based on one’s place of origin. If we are genuinely committed to social mobility, redistributing job opportunities across the country is the most crucial action to take.”
Major warns that the fabric of society itself may unravel if regional disparities are not addressed. He explains, “Failure to address this issue will result in an increasingly divided society, with certain areas flourishing while others become opportunity deserts. Eventually, if sufficient opportunities are not provided nationwide, the entire fabric of society could unravel.”
Responding to these concerns, a spokesperson from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities stresses the government’s commitment to spreading opportunities and prosperity throughout the UK. They highlight initiatives such as devolving power to local leaders, implementing investment zones, and funding projects to boost local economies and create high-skilled jobs.
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