7 August 2008
Million+ comment on graduate employment statistics
Million+ welcomed figures released today (Friday) showing a decrease in graduate unemployment but warned that the figures may not be reflective of the true picture of graduate employment.
Figures released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) show graduate unemployment is down from 6.1% for the year 2005/6 to 5.6% for 2006/7. The percentage of leavers assumed to be employed varied according to subject studied and according to the degree classification awarded.
However, the figures are a snapshot of employment status only 6 months after graduation, they also include those planning to or already undertaking further study and those who were to start a job in the next month.
Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of Million+ said, “In a couple of weeks A-level students will be nervously opening their results and these figures should give them every confidence that university really is a worthwhile venture.”
“Overall, this is really good news for prospective and current students. The true picture of graduate employment is likely to be even better than reported today, as many graduates will choose to opt for postgraduate study or take somewhat longer to find the job of their dreams.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
- Million+ is a leading university think-tank, working to solve the complex problems in higher education.
- The full HESA statistics can be found at www.hesa.ac.uk.
- For further details and information contact Million+ on 020 7717 1657 / 07795 645241