University for more people of all ages ‘could benefit the economy’

The UK’s economy could benefit from more people of all ages attending university, a report has found.

It also suggests the onset of the Fourth Industrial Revolution – automation, robotics, artificial intelligence and digital technology – and the challenges of Brexit and an ageing population are creating rising demand for those with qualifications above Level 4.

These include HNC/Ds, foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

The Universities UK report highlights the need for continual skill upgrading, lifelong learning and study of higher education qualifications at all levels.

The percentage of young people from England entering higher education has reached 49%, but there has been a steady decline in part-time and mature study numbers, Universities UK said. The report calls on policy makers to reverse this drop and incentivise closer links between universities and employers.

Alistair Jarvis, chief executive of Universities UK, said there is significant evidence of the need to increase student numbers.

He added: “There is rising employer demand for the broad skills developed at university across a wide range of subjects and levels.

“The UK economy and society needs more graduates.

“Educating more people of all ages at university would grow our economy faster, by increasing productivity, competitiveness and innovation.

“To meet future challenges, the government should develop new policies to make parttime study more appealing, upskilling easier and encourage lifelong learning among our ageing population.”