This report by the Office for National Statistics examines earnings outcomes relative to the Living Wage for those aged 25 years who received free school meals. The report explores demographic and geographic factors.
The report shows that at age 25 years, just 23.0% of FSM recipients who attended school in England had earnings above the Living Wage compared to 43.5% of those that didn't.
It also shows female FSM recipients face a double hit with just 18% of females who received free school meals earning above the Living Wage, whilst 27% of males did so.
Furthermore, significant regional variation was also found in the North-East: only 20% of former pupils who received free school meals earning above the Living Wage.
The report also showed that 29% of FSM recipients had no earnings recorded at 25 years, compared with 15% of former pupils who did not receive free school meals.