Should Social Class Be a Protected Characteristic?

This unit's primary objective is to enhance the outcomes for the white working class, focusing on a demographic whose disadvantages, some argue, have been overlooked in current policy frameworks.

Corcoran pointed to low educational attainment and university entry rates within this demographic, alongside high suicide rates and a notable prevalence of rough sleeping.

She further argued that the concept of 'white privilege' is a false construct, highlighting her legal action against the Bar Council regarding an internship restricted by race, and claiming that existing policies neglect the disadvantages experienced by white individuals.

McKenzie asserted that social mobility initiatives have largely failed to address underlying structural inequality, criticizing current Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) policies as merely 'tick-box culture' that does not resolve systemic issues.

Drawing on her background from a coal mining community in Ashfield, she noted that even with an academic career, she continues to identify as working-class, illustrating the enduring impact of class on identity and experience.

Cameron Perry introduced Tally Money, a service allowing users to hold an account denominated in milligrams of gold, branded as 'tally,' rather than traditional pound sterling, complete with an account number and sort code.

The service highlights gold's universal understanding and its historical performance, noting an average annual increase of 11% against the pound over the last 25 years, with the platform offering quick onboarding for UK residents via an app and photo ID, along with transparent fees.

She argued that unequal access to education has left white working-class communities in these neglected areas at a significant disadvantage, contrasting their experiences with those of black working-class individuals in London, who she suggested might face different outcomes due to their geographical location.

Both speakers criticized the current Equalities Act for creating a 'bizarre hierarchy' of protection based on identity politics, rather than addressing broader systemic inequalities.

Corcoran called for a fundamental shift away from identity politics, proposing that protected characteristics as defined in current legislation should be entirely abolished.

She advocated for a society built on three core principles: family, freedom, and fairness, defining fairness as a system where individuals are judged solely on their character, merit, and talent, with hard work receiving its due reward.

Corcoran claimed that existing equality schemes are both patronizing and inherently racist, as they presume individuals require specific assistance solely based on their skin color or group identity.

The speaker argued that removing identity-based diversity schemes does not imply a lack of talent among minority groups.

Instead, she claimed that such schemes, by focusing on group traits, can inadvertently foster a form of racism, advocating for judging individuals based on their personal history, potential, and individual capabilities rather than on collective characteristics.

Lisa McKenzie argued that a core problem with any 'tick-box' policy, including those for socioeconomic forms, is the incentive for individuals, particularly from middle-class backgrounds, to exploit the system by exaggerating or inventing ancestral hardship.

She criticized identity politics as a 'politics of grievance' that fosters hierarchies rather than genuine equality, noting that working-class individuals may feel shame in self-identifying for benefits, a phenomenon observed with schemes like free school meals.

Concerns were raised that Bridget Phillipson's new policies might serve as quick political wins rather than structural solutions, failing to address the deeper issues of social class exploitation.

Sophie Corcoran suggested that young people are increasingly seeking labels such as ADHD to access 'tick-box' job schemes, inadvertently creating mental barriers that deter them from traditional employment paths.

She claimed this system is 'killing off' the work ethic of an entire generation, emphasizing that fundamental structural disadvantage in de-industrialized 'red wall' areas remains a core issue that these labeling practices fail to address.

Lisa McKenzie highlighted that de-industrialized areas of the UK have been neglected for approximately 40 years, describing them as having been 'left to rot.'

She argued that the objective reality of a lack of jobs in specific regions constitutes a structural disadvantage that is currently being overlooked, while policy discussions increasingly focus on identity.