Firms ‘too biased’ towards graduates
EMPLOYERS should stop demanding job applicants have a university degree when the role doesn’t need one, Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi will say this week.
He will also urge firms to rethink the way they advertise posts and warn they risk deterring capable workers with alternative qualifications.
In a speech focusing on skills, Mr Zahawi is expected to ask employers to think twice before declaring a role is only suitable for graduates.
Instead, they should “modernise” their view of the talent pool and consider potential recruits with apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships or the new technical qualifications known as T Levels.
“Businesses know they will struggle to compete in the future without a pipeline of highly skilled employees. And they are willing to pay well for this talent,” Mr Zahawi will say.
“All too often I hear employers’ frustrations with a limited pool of graduates but we are still seeing job ads that state ‘graduate’ in the essential criteria.”
Highlighting his own experience in business, he said: “Having founded Yougov 22 years ago and built it into the company we recognise it as today, I know just how much a lack of human potential could wreak havoc on a business. So, I’m urging employers to think differently about their recruitment.
“Think about whether they really need someone with a degree. The chances are there will be someone with other relevant skills, experiences, or qualifications they are looking for.
“Our economic strength will only turn on our ability to nurture and utilise the full range of talent available to us.
“So, too, will our efforts to level up opportunity, because up-skilling people gives them chances to create a better life and regenerate their regions.” There are currently more than 1.3 million job vacancies across the country, leaving many employers struggling with staff shortages.
Ahead of his speech, Mr Zahawi has also written an open letter to employers asking them to consider whether a university degree is really necessary for employment.