As of October, the civil service’s main internship scheme will be restricted to applicants from a working class background. Is this progress? We get two experts to hash it out in this week’s debate

YES: We need to address the myth of meritocracy

The civil service’s working-class internship scheme is a step forward. There’s no doubt that social mobility within the civil service needs to improve. According to the Social Mobility Commission, just 18 per cent of its workforce comes from a working class background. Any initiative that helps ensure the civil service reflects the diverse population it serves should be welcomed.

It’s time we addressed the myth of meritocracy – we don’t just succeed based on our talent and hard work, people rely on their access to education, networks and opportunities, things that if you come from a disadvantaged background are much harder to come by. Schemes like this can help level the playing field.

That said, this isn’t just a recruitment incentive. It’s vital that individuals from lower socioeconomic........

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