The UK’s future is being undermined by the unseen impact of Anti-DEI policies.

Anti-DEI Policies Threaten Opportunities for UK Youth, Says Social Mobility Charity

London – The impact of Anti-DEI (diversity, equality and inclusion) policies on the UK’s younger generation is startling. According to Leila Thomas, CEO and Founder of the award-winning social mobility charity Urban Synergy, these policies, originally from the US, are quietly undermining opportunities for young people in the UK.

Thomas argues that these anti-DEI policies are dismantling the progress made on social mobility, gender and ethnic diversity, ultimately creating fewer opportunities for underrepresented students. “Imagine losing your chance at a dream career,” she says.

At Urban Synergy, they are already witnessing the negative effects of these policies. “We are hearing back from our young people of withdrawn job and educational offers, and we know some firms are pausing to reassess their diversity strategy because of external pressures,” says Thomas.

She stresses that this is not about corporate box-ticking or so-called ‘woke’ culture. “Every time a company steps back from or pauses DEI, a young person loses access to mentorship, to opportunities, to a future they deserve,” she says. “Abstract US presidential policies, detached from real-world problems, are harming futures in the UK and far beyond.”

Urban Synergy believes that progress on social mobility, ethnic and gender diversity is at risk in three key areas, ultimately harming young people in the UK. Firstly, companies pulling back on DEI initiatives are not just changing boardroom numbers – they risk jeopardizing internships, mentoring schemes, and access to careers for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Moreover, without DEI policies, work environments become less welcoming, leading to increased mental health challenges for young people from minority backgrounds. This can also impact their overall wellbeing and potentially lead to mental health issues.

In addition, when DEI commitments are cancelled, the UK risks building a workforce that is unprepared for a globally diverse economy. This could limit competitiveness and innovation, potentially leading to more lawsuits.

Furthermore, these policies also undermine the goals of the EY Parker Review, which aims to improve ethnic minority representation in UK leadership roles. “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 urging business leaders and educators to protect the future of young talent. “We must not let political agendas derail decades of progress,” says Thomas. “It’s time to stand up for equal opportunity and inclusive growth.”

For more information or to contact Urban Synergy, please visit their website or send a message through their Contact Us page. Latest statistics show that the number of young people aged 16 to 24 years not in education, employment or training (NEET) is estimated to be 987,000, up from 877,000 in October to December 2023.

Additionally, new research by UCL reveals that graduates from low socio-economic backgrounds are 32% less likely to receive a job offer than those from more wealthy backgrounds. Black applicants and Asian applicants are 45% and 29% respectively less likely to receive an offer than white applicants.

Founded in 2007 by a City of London worker, Urban Synergy has transformed the lives of over 35,000 young people in urban areas between the ages of 9 to 24. Through dynamic mentoring, career insight events, and real-world work experiences, they have built confidence and skills to bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity. Urban Synergy works predominantly with children and students from schools with high rates of free school meals and exclusion, ensuring that no young person feels like they don’t belong in a certain environment.

For media inquiries, please contact media@urbansynergy.com or call 07711331127.