New challenges emerge with diverse population

London: Life's winners and losers were laid bare in an official report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission into how fair Britain has become.

The commission's first three-year review, How Fair is Britain, shows that while some inequalities remain entrenched, new challenges are emerging as the country's population becomes older and more ethnically and religiously diverse.

Gateways

The study identifies "five great gateways" to opportunity revolving around well-being, education, work, security and voice in society where millions could benefit if barriers are lifted. These should become the basis to assess "fairness" in public policy, the commission says.

In health, the report says, the poorest can expect to live seven years less than the richest. In education, boys are falling far behind with girls outperforming them at ages 5, 16 and degree level.

Students of Indian and Chinese origin are streaking ahead at school. In criminal justice, Gypsy and traveller communities appear to be targeted and women prisoners have become a prominent feature of Britain's jails. The ageing society means that women have a 50 per cent chance of becoming a carer before they reach 59.

Trevor Phillips, chair of the commission, says in the 21st century there are still "gateways to opportunity that appear permanently closed, no matter how hard they try; while others seem to have been issued with an "access all areas' pass at birth".