Several prominent UK universities, including King’s College London, Loughborough University, and the University of Stirling, have published guidance encouraging students to apply for welfare benefits after completing their courses. This guidance suggests that graduates can make claims even if they have jobs lined up or are living with their parents. The advice aims to inform students about available support as they transition from full-time study to work.
King’s College London’s guidance on post-university life tells students that they “shouldn’t feel bad” about claiming Universal Credit or Jobseeker’s Allowance. The guidance emphasizes that these benefits are in place to help graduates transition to work, even if they are living at home or have a job lined up. The University of Stirling advises students to submit claims “from the day after your official course end date”. Loughborough University’s financial advice page for departing students similarly advises not to delay making claims for benefits.
The guidance comes amid concerns over the UK’s graduate jobs market and rising youth unemployment. The unemployment rate among 16-to-24-year-olds stood at 16.4 per cent in the three months to July, according to recent figures. Data from recruitment platform Adzuna showed that 8,383 positions aimed at university leavers were posted in July, a 45 per cent decline from the previous year and the weakest figure since tracking began in 2016.
The guidance has drawn criticism from Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott, who described it as “madness”. Trott argued that universities should set young people up for the world of work, not fast-track people to a life on benefits. She also expressed concern that too many graduates are moving directly onto welfare, increasing the burden on taxpayers.
However, Nick Hillman of the Higher Education Policy Institute defended graduates’ access to welfare support. He noted that final-year maintenance loans are often smaller than students expect, leaving some graduates without enough money to bridge the period between completing their studies and starting work. Hillman emphasized that higher education works out for most people most of the time, but that does not mean all new graduates are able to walk straight into well-paid work.
King’s College London defended the guidance provided to students, citing high graduate employment rates. An 86 per cent of graduates are in highly skilled employment or study 15 months after graduation, according to the university. A spokeswoman said that for a small number of students who do not have savings or alternative means of support, the university offers advice on how to seek additional assistance whilst looking for work.
The universities’ guidance reflects the challenges faced by graduates in the current job market. As youth unemployment rises, institutions are seeking to support students in navigating the transition to work. The guidance is intended to inform students about available support, ensuring they are aware of the safety net provided by welfare benefits.
Key points
- UK universities are advising graduates to apply for welfare benefits to support their transition to work.
- The guidance has drawn criticism from Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott, who argues that universities should focus on setting students up for work.
- The UK’s graduate jobs market is facing challenges, with rising youth unemployment and a decline in job postings for university leavers.
