More than a quarter of graduates are not in full-time work three and a half years after leaving university, say new figures released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency. University leavers are also becoming more likely to be unemployed and a degree is no guarantee of getting a well-paid job. 27.7% of graduates who left university in 2006-07 were not in full-time paid work last November.
‘The jobs market is now even tougher and new students entering a system with the highest public university fees in the world deserve better prospects’ said Sally Hunt, general secretary of the University and College Union.
Universities and science minister David Willetts said: ‘In the future, we want universities to become even more responsive to their students. That is why we’re strengthening the links between employers and universities and putting a new focus on student entrepreneurs’.
In response to the jobs crisis, FranchisingWorks is running a pilot in Greater Manchester which aims to encourage people of all ages and experience, including graduates, to consider self-employment through running a franchise business. The programme provides advice, support along every step of the way and can also assist with funding.