More firms taking on graduates with 2:2 degree and ‘life skills’

FEWER firms are asking graduates to gain at least a 2:1 in their degree in order to be considered for a job.

Research suggests employers are increasingly turning their backs on the traditional minimum requirement, arguing that there is no difference in the workplace performance of those who leave university with an upper second and those who gain a 2:2.

The Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) study is based on a survey conducted in April of 170 employers who collectively hired 22,049 graduates last year. Overall, the findings showed that 73.8 per cent of employers were asking for a 2:1 degree award in 2015 as a minimum entry requirement, compared to 76.2 per cent the year before. Around 16.7 per cent require a 2:2 award, up from 11.3 per cent in 2014.

Employers have seen benefits from lowering their entry requirements, the report says, with one, who moved to asking for a 2:2, telling researchers: “We have noticed no differential in on-the-job-performance between those that achieved a 2:1 and a 2:2. Often those that have had to sacrifice study time to support themselves through university have learnt valuable life skills that are easily transferable into the workplace. Since making the change we have noticed no difference in the quality of our recruits and a 15-20 per cent rise in applications.”

Another firm said: “We accept that someone who has a 2.2 has often had a full university life and balanced work and study and believe a 2.2 to still be a decent measure of potential to do well on our programme. If they pass the assessment centre process and have a 2:2, fine by us.”

Available figures suggest women make up almost 54 per cent of graduates, excluding medical subjects, the AGR said.