Latest news: Job stability 'highest among part-time students'

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People who study part time while working are more likely to be retained by employers, a new study published by the Higher Education Careers Services Unit (HECSU ) has found 07/02/2013

The Futuretrack: Impact of Part-time Learning Two Years After Graduation research was carried out on behalf of HECSU by Birkbeck, University of London and the National Institute of Economic and Social Research.

It surveyed more than 1,000 students when they were in their final year of study, and two years later to examine the impact of part-time courses on career progression.

According to the report, 81% of respondents were employed before, during and after their course, while 80% remained with the same employer for the whole time.

Some 93% of this group were continuously employed two years after graduating.

The longitudinal study also noted how employers are significantly more likely to retain graduate staff if they offer them paid time off to study.

Commenting on the figures, Jane Artess, director of research at HECSU, said, 'Part-time study clearly benefits both the employer and employee, as well as wider society.

'Students quickly enjoyed the advantages that they had gained from their course after graduating, using what they had learnt very effectively - and to their advantage - in the workplace.   

'Employers who support staff through their studies are set to gain the most, with a higher chance of retaining talented employees who are better engaged and equipped to do their job.'