Mon, 26 Jan 2026

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 Over 700,000 graduates out of work and claiming benefits, analysis suggests

The government says it has commissioned a review into "what's holding the younger generation back".

* Over 700,000 university graduates are out of work and claiming welfare benefits.
* The number has increased by more than 200,000 (46%) since 2019.
* 400,000 graduates are not in work and claiming Universal Credit.
* Almost 240,000 graduates claim they are off work due to sickness, a figure that has more than doubled since 2019.
* About 110,000 graduates under the age of 30 now claim at least one benefit without being in work.
* The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) says the figures show the consequences of an education system "obsessed" with university, which overlooks vocational training and a changing job market.
* A government spokesperson said graduate inactivity is at its lowest rate on record, but they are determined to do more to support young people into work.
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