Action call to halt ‘brain drain’ as graduates move elsewhere
THERE are fears of a brain drain out of Wales after a new report revealed more graduates left Wales than arrived between 2013 and 2016.
The Resolution Foundation thinktank’s report also shows the proportion of graduates in jobs not requiring a degree was higher in Wales than other nations or regions.
The Welsh Government said Wales’ retention of graduates was similar to many other parts of the UK and it is taking action on incentives to keep them working here.
But Welsh Conservative Shadow Education Secretary, Darren Millar AM, said more must be done to boost the economy to keep graduates in Wales.
“The best way to encourage graduates to stay in Wales is to have a successful economy, which enables them to apply the knowledge and skills they have developed as part of their studies,” he said.
“It should come as no surprise that Wales is experiencing a brain drain when the Welsh Labour Government is failing to deliver the dynamic, modern economy we need.”
The report shows that 40.6% of Welsh graduates who went to university in Wales and stayed for work are now in non-graduate jobs – the highest rate in the UK followed by Scotland at 40.3%.
Between 2013 and 2016 Wales attracted 23,807 graduates but 44,335 left – a difference of 20,528.
The only areas of the UK where this difference was greater were Yorkshire and Humber (23,115) and the north east of England (22,543).
Over the past four years London, but particularly the south east, has recorded positive net migration of graduates. Between 2013 and 2016 around 39,000 more graduates moved to the south east than left and 4,000 more moved to London, the report shows.
The east and east Midlands also recorded positive net migration of graduates; while Wales, the north east, Yorkshire and west Midlands experienced negative net migration.
A Welsh Government spokesman said: “While our retention of graduates is similar to many other parts of the UK, we remain committed to making the investment Wales needs to prosper and grow, and to creating the economic conditions that will result in the high quality jobs that people here want and need.
“Our response to the independent Diamond review includes developing opportunities for young people and meeting the skills needs of Wales.
“We recognise that offering incentives for graduates to remain in, or return to, Wales could be part of this.
“We are taking action in this area, including a new commitment for those who receive nursing bursaries to work in the Welsh NHS and will continue to explore other options.”