Civil service intern scheme open to working class only

A new civil service internship scheme will be open only to working-class students as part of a drive to make Whitehall better reflect the country, the government has said.

- Rowena Mason

The programme will give students from lower-income backgrounds the chance to apply for paid government placements, replacing an existing programme open to all. The definition of working class will be based on what jobs were held by their parents when the applicant was 14.

The Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden said the action was being taken because applicants from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were less likely to get a place on the so-called fast stream.

"We need to get more working-class young people into the civil service so it harnesses the broadest range of talent and truly reflects the country," he said.

"Government makes better decisions when it represents and understands the people we serve. I want to open up opportunities for students from all backgrounds, and in every corner of the UK, so they can take a leading role at the heart of government as we rewire the state and deliver the plan for change."

The two-month summer programme will give 200 undergraduates the opportunity to work in a civil service department from next year, with applications starting this October.