Universities urged to step up as graduate job market tightens
Survey finds seven in 10 adults believe UK universities could do more to drive skills, innovation and economic success
Seven in 10 adults say UK universities could do more to help the country succeed, a survey has found, as higher education leaders pledged to tackle challenges facing the graduate job market.
The majority of 2,000 adults polled for Universities UK (UUK) thought the UK's future success depends on its ability to utilise skills and invent new things.
UUK has announced universities will be meeting with employers throughout spring this year to inform a roadmap for universities, employers and governments with solutions to improve graduate employability.
It comes amid continued reports of a difficult graduate job market and the latest figures showing nearly a million (946,000) young people aged 16 to 24 were not in education, employment or training (Neet) as of September 2025.
The UUK polling, which was carried out by Public First, found more than four in five (84%) respondents agreed the world is changing and the UK must change to stay ahead.
Nearly three in four agreed the UK's future success depends on it being able to invent new things and make scientific discoveries (73%) and that UK universities are important for future economic success (74%).
Furthermore, 86% agreed the UK's success depended on it being able to fully utilise the skills and talents of the entire population.
UUK president Professor Malcolm Press said: "It is understandably an uncertain time for people at the moment. From rapid advancements in AI, to a shifting global order, or the urgent need to grow the economy in every part of the country, the world is changing and the UK must be ready to lead, not follow."
Universities will play a vital role in this, he added, but they recognise they must evolve to meet the country's needs.
"Over the months ahead, universities across the country will be engaging to listen, to learn, and to go further in supporting businesses with the skills and innovation they need to grow, and, crucially, ensure more graduates are able to access high-quality jobs," Prof Press said.
Universities want to hear from employers on how they can change to meet changing skills needs, UUK said.
A survey by the Institute of Student Employers last year found graduate hiring has fallen 8% since 2024.
Chief executive of Greggs plc Roisin Currie said universities "need to understand more about the challenges that businesses are facing and to help with that".
She added that "businesses also need to make sure that they open their doors to help that education process so that universities can prepare students with the skills that we need for the future to keep moving forward and improving".