Socio-economic diversity in the real estate sector

Twelve leading real estate firms have collaborated with the Bridge Group to understand how socio-economic background affects access to, and success in, the industry. The research was funded by the JLL UK Foundation, a registered charity focused on supporting young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds into the property industry. The report reveals that the sector is deeply lacking in diversity, particularly by socio-economic background.

Our key findings include:

• Among the participating organisations, 33% of senior executives attended an independent school, while 52% are from a higher socio-economic background when parental occupation is also taken into account.

• Black and female employees are much more likely to be from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

• On average, the real estate firms in the research have a lower proportion of employees from lower socio-economic backgrounds than, for example, leading accountancy firms and most leading law firms.

• The report recommends measures to attract and retain a more diverse workforce.

Follow this link to view the report and the report launch webinar.