Over 700k (UK) graduates out of work and claiming benefits, analysis suggests
3 months ago
- #unemployment
- #welfare
- #education
- Over 700,000 university graduates are unemployed and claiming welfare benefits, according to the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ).
- 400,000 graduates are claiming Universal Credit, while 240,000 cite health reasons for not working—a figure that has more than doubled since 2019.
- The CSJ report highlights concerns about the education system's focus on university degrees over vocational training, despite apprentices often earning more than graduates after five years.
- The UK government is investing £1.5bn to support young people into work or training, including expanding apprenticeships, and has commissioned a review to address barriers facing the younger generation.
- Despite 88% of working-age graduates being employed in 2024, critics argue the system overlooks vocational pathways and changing job market demands.