11:13 31 March 2015
A recent study that was participated by more than 5,000 people revealed that more than a quarter of young, aspiring professional Brits believe that it’s easier to land a placement if you have double-barrelled surname. They also believe that aside from your name, getting a job will depend on the school you went to and your accent.
Meanwhile, over two thirds of children from privileged backgrounds support the findings saying that they have used family connections to land their dream work placement. Joanne Milner, CEO at Debrett’s Foundation, a charitable trust intended to “ensure high achievers from underprivileged backgrounds enter the world of work on a level footing with those who have enjoyed more advantageous starts in life” said: “With young people having to complete seven work experience placements before landing the job they want, it’s safe to say that Intern Britain is here to stay.
“Securing the right work experience placement is difficult, considerably more so if you don’t have the right connections.
“Nepotism isn’t any more widespread than it was in the past, but it has a greater impact today.
“There are so many candidates for the top graduate jobs – it follows that those with the best experience have a better chance of securing them.”