The Guardian view on Britain’s new class divide: the professional middle is being hollowed out | Editorial

Finance and tech attract top talent, diminishing the appeal of traditional white-collar jobs. Quantitative analysis firms in London offer high salaries, attracting graduates away from traditional investment banking. An Oxford professor noted that his mathematical finance students primarily pursue quant trading positions with lucrative compensation packages. Salaries in traditionally respected professions are now comparatively low, discouraging graduates due to university debt. Major City firms offer modest graduate salaries barely exceeding the minimum wage. This wage stagnation is prompting companies to explore AI and offshore roles to maintain profitability. Billionaire traders exemplify the financial rewards available in quantitative finance. The article suggests a shift where proximity to capital is valued more than societal contribution. This trend raises concerns about societal rupture due to a widening economic divide. The article concludes by inviting readers to share their opinions on these issues.