YORK’S Fairness Conference highlighted the importance of reducing income inequality alongside helping those without skills/ jobs into decent employment (The Press, June 10). Julia Unwin pointed to York’s heritage of social justice.

JRF projections for 2020 envisage a “two tier” labour market with those without qualifications in seasonal, insecure, low-paid work, with increased child poverty.

David Ellis rightly pointed to the challenge presented by Education Secretary Michael Gove’s drive to turn inclusive education, (bringing out the best in everyone) into grammar school-style learning that fails to consider the needs of the majority.

Every young person should be offered learning that brings out the best in them and supports them to achieve. Mental health, counselling and careers support in schools are just as vital, yet have been slashed through funding cuts, storing up costs to society in the future.

Sharon Allen, of Skills for Care, highlighted the massive increase in care needs from a growing elderly population and the challenge to achieve a Living Wage for those providing our care services.

York needs to learn from this event – the council can take a lead, but it’s more important for all partners to get fairness right than focus on economic growth alone.

Coun Andy D’Agorne, Leader Green Group, City of York Council, Broadway West, York.