Latest news : UK losing top graduates

The UK job market may begin missing out on top talent as more graduates consider moving abroad for work. 09/01/2012

Recent figures from the trendence Graduate Barometer UK Edition show that half of UK graduates (50%) would consider moving abroad to secure employment.

The most popular destinations of the 15,000 who took part in the survey included the USA (63%), Australia (47%), Canada (38%), France (35%) and New Zealand (33%).

Among the students that took part were a category of ‘high potentials’. These students come in the top 20% of high academic achievement, have done an internship and also undertake extra-curricular activities.

‘We're at high risk of losing some of our most talented and hard working students to other countries. Our data shows many of these students are willing to work more than 55 hours per week and want to perform highly in their jobs, yet they feel they want to go abroad because they can't find opportunities to further their ability in the UK,’ said Kathryn Callow, trendence UK accounts director.

Only 9% of students who carried out the survey said they wouldn’t move abroad whilst 32% of students in the ‘high potentials’ category said that they would move abroad to look for graduate positions.

Students who took part in the survey haven’t actively applied for positions in other countries, but simply stated that they would be willing to move.

‘We’re at risk of a ‘talent drain’ because of the current job market and the impact of constant bad news, which tells students and graduates there are no jobs available and that future prospects are bleak,’ added Kathryn.

A separate survey by SHL found that in order to gain their preferred role, many graduates would be willing to work unpaid to gain the relevant experience required.

‘The UK is failing its graduates. School leavers are faced with difficult decisions, not only has the cost of going to university risen, but UK employment options are bleak. Graduates are also under pressure to undertake unpaid internships in order to gain a foothold on the career ladder. It’s not just university that carries a high price, but gaining work experience too,’ said Sean Howard, VP Business Solutions, SHL.