Boris Johnson

House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA 

Dear Prime Minister 

Re: Levelling Up Agenda

We’re writing regarding the Levelling Up Agenda in relation to the Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance industry. We believe high quality career advice and guidance are key to supporting people into employment, especially within the context of the pandemic. 

We would like to bring to your attention the growing concern and frustration about the disparity between our salaries in England and that of other professionals. For example, teachers qualify at level 6 or 7, and their average salary is between £36,900 and £39,900.[1] Careers professionals also qualify at level 6 or 7 and salaries do not reflect our specialist knowledge and skills. We have seen salaries as low as £16,000 being offered. 

Careers practitioners are valuable to the economy. We not only guide people into employment, who otherwise would not be working, but into careers they are passionate about and, by extension, jobs they are unlikely to resign from. It’s estimated that the government receives £9.02 net additional tax revenue for every £1 of public money invested in careers.[2] However, these economic results are reliant on enthusiastic, skilled professionals who are dedicated to their work. The salary, therefore, needs to be sufficient to attract these skilled and dedicated professionals. 

Duncan Selbie, Chief Executive of Public Health England, said “Having a job is good for our health, but the quality of our jobs makes the difference. Ensuring people have a safe, encouraging and supportive working environment will keep them well and in work for longer.”[3] People happy in their work take fewer sick days, are more resilient, change jobs less frequently and have better mental health.  

“Healthy and happy employees have a better quality of life, a lower risk of disease and injury, increased work productivity, and a greater likelihood of contributing to their communities than employees with poorer well-being.” [4] As well trained career professionals, we contribute to there being a happy, healthy workforce with tailored advice and guidance, knowledge of the labour market, knowledge of different professions and the ability to encourage and motivate our clients. Government as well as local citizens can greatly benefit from this expertise.  

Highly trained and well qualified careers professionals work with such a wide range of people, from school age children all the way through to those getting ready to retire. Our reach is vast and our impact immeasurable. Therefore, all that we ask is for decent and fair salaries so that we may continue to offer young people and adults the excellent careers support they deserve and expect.   

Yours Sincerely

Rachael Stevens & Petitioners

[1] https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/salaries-and-benefits
[2] http://www.egenda.stockton.gov.uk/aksstockton/images/att37348.pdf
[3] https://www.health.org.uk/infographic/how-is-work-good-for-our-health
[4] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0033354919878434