UK Graduates Face Uphill Battle in Job Market Amidst Shifting Demands

London, UK – A recent analysis highlights the increasing difficulties for university graduates entering the UK job market. Data from the Financial Times, sourced via Adzuna, indicates a notable underperformance in graduate vacancies and salaries compared to the broader UK employment landscape since June 2016. According to the analysis, the number of graduate vacancies has seen a significant drop, particularly in 2025, while graduate salaries have experienced a substantial dip in 2024-2025, despite an overall rise in the general job market. This trend suggests a challenging environment for new degree holders. Experts attribute these difficulties to several factors, including a general slowdown in the UK labour market, leading companies to retain existing staff rather than hiring new graduates. Additionally, the rise of outsourcing and automation, partly driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, is reducing the number of entry-level positions traditionally filled by graduates. Concerns have also been raised about the increasing digitalization of recruitment processes, which often lacks the personal interaction many graduates seek. Furthermore, the analysis points to a critical mismatch in the job market: many of the most in-demand occupations in the UK currently require qualifications below degree level. This suggests that while there is demand for workers, it is not necessarily for those with university degrees in traditional skilled professions. Despite these challenges, career coaches advise graduates that the situation is likely to improve over time, and a university education still holds long-term value, albeit with a potentially longer initial job search.