This page sets out some of the key arguments about the causes and consequences of the gaps highlighted in this section (including why they are unfair). It is not intended to be comprehensive. Click on a box to read the supporting arguments from highlighted third-party reports.
What are the causes of unfair rewards?
People from poorer backgrounds are less likely to get to and do well at university
People from poorer backgrounds are less likely to get to and do well at university
There is little relationship between merit and reward
There is little relationship between merit and reward
Too many people are on low incomes and in insecure work
Too many people are on low incomes and in insecure work
Many high earners are paid unreasonably large amounts of money
Many high earners are paid unreasonably large amounts of money
What are the consequences of unfair rewards?
High levels of inequality lead to low levels of social mobility
High levels of inequality lead to low levels of social mobility
Socio-economic inequality leads to environmental inequality
Socio-economic inequality leads to environmental inequality
Socio-economic inequality leads to more crime and less effective criminal justice
Socio-economic inequality leads to more crime and less effective criminal justice
Socio-economic inequality leads to political inequality
Socio-economic inequality leads to political inequality
Poor quality work undermines people’s physical and mental health
Poor quality work undermines people’s physical and mental health
Socio-economic inequality leads to health inequalities
Socio-economic inequality leads to health inequalities
The best way to become wealthy is to be wealthy already
The best way to become wealthy is to be wealthy already
Poorer people don’t have a buffer against economic shocks
Poorer people don’t have a buffer against economic shocks
Income inequality is high by historical and European standards 
Income inequality is high by historical and European standards
Wealth inequality is much larger than income inequality
Wealth inequality is much larger than income inequality
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