I thought that this snippet, in my Wife's magazine I must add, Is relevant to what many have posted on this topic.
Sadly as many have suggested on this thread, we have slowly drifted into a 'blame' mentality regarding Education, Employment and Benefit 'rights'.
I believe that many of the younger generation, and some parents too, have not been made responsible for making their own way in life by their own efforts. Parents and Politicians have probably been too protective of them in their desire for a 'better' life which is probably something they have come to expect as the 'norm'.
Grammar Schools, as Roger said, allowed many children from poorer backgrounds with the ability to learn to achieve more in the work place which I for one am grateful for!
Politicians of whatever hue should stop pontificating and work on reinstalling the work ethic. How........?
.............Solve that question and you've cracked it!!
Do nothing and nothing happens.