Graduates from the poorest parts of Scotland earn an average of 11 per cent less than their more affluent counterparts five years after finishing their studies, figures show. Statistics published by the Scottish Government show those from the wealthiest backgrounds earn a median of £31,000, while those from the poorest areas pocket £27,400.
The figures looked at graduates from the 2014-15 academic year and their earnings in the 2020-21 tax year, showing a median earning of £29,900 per year for all students. When broken down by the sex of the graduates, the figures also lay bare a bigger gap between men and women from more affluent backgrounds.
Median earnings for male graduates from the richest areas are £32,100, compared to £30,300 for women, while the gap is just £400 for those from the most deprived areas. The difference in median earnings between those with a disability and without is £2,200, the figures also show.
Scottish Labour education spokeswoman Pam Duncan-Glancy said the statistics show the “level of ingrained inequality that thousands of young people in Scotland face”.
She added: “It is clear to see that people from the most deprived backgrounds, women and disabled people are being held back and are earning less after they graduate than others. This is deeply unfair and it doesn’t have to be that way.
“We must do everything we can to ensure that there is a level playing field for all – and the report out today shows that there is still so much work to be done.”
The statistics were released as UK Labour leader Keir Starmer announced his party’s plans to boost education for poorer children at an event interrupted by climate protesters. He also said that the party would not be scrapping the two-child benefit cap, prompting criticism from Scottish Labour MSP Monica Lennon.
Duncan-Glancy added: “That’s why today Keir Starmer outlined Labour’s mission to ensure that no child will be held back because of their background through measures such as closing tax loopholes for private schools, tackling gender, age and disability pay gaps, and supporting public services. Labour will improve life chances for everyone.
“Today I call on the SNP’s Education Secretary to work with Scottish Labour to make sure that every student in Scotland – regardless of their background and circumstances – is given a fair chance to succeed.”
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