Number of graduates in unskilled jobs doubles in five years

The number of graduates taking jobs that require little qualifications has doubled in the last five years, according to figures released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). The number now stands at 10,000.

The statistics released yesterday from 2010/2011 show that graduates are increasingly taking jobs as labourers, cleaners and shelf stackers that require no formal qualifications. They also revealed that more than 20,000 were still jobless six months after graduation.

The figures come as tuition fees rise to £9,000, and students starting university this autumn have decreased prospects of securing a job after they graduate. 

Universities have already seen a 9% drop in applications from UK students due to the higher fees and fears of debt amongst students. 

The numbers raise questions over the benefits of having a degree when students are forced to put themselves in increased debt to attain it.

HESA’s statistical first release ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education in the United Kingdom’, stated: “In 2010/11, 63% (140,085) were in employment only and 9% (20,620) were assumed to be unemployed both showing no change since 2009/10.”

However, full-time first graduates entering paid jobs have seen an increase in the mean salary from 19,500 in 2006/2007 to 20,000 in 2010/2011.

Line Elise Svanevik