9 March 2010

Report calling for less graduates is ‘out of touch’

University think tank million+ has labelled a report by the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) as ‘out of touch’. The report, published today, suggests that the Government’s 50% target for participation in higher education has devalued degrees and that tuition fees should rise. Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of million+, said: “The suggestion that a small number of graduates should be delivered by conveyer belt to the graduate recruitment market is out of touch with the wider benefits higher education brings to individuals and to our economy.

“All qualified applicants, who want to go to university, should get a place. A degree vastly improves the life chances of young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds. It also significantly increases opportunities for the many older people who are now applying to university as a way to acquire the higher level skills needed to compete in a difficult jobs market. The AGR has failed to appreciate the huge contribution that universities make to our economy and the life-long learning agenda.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. million+ is a leading university think-tank, working to solve the complex problems in higher education www.millionplus.ac.uk

2. For more information, comment or interviews from million+ please contact Victoria Mills on 07900 277819