Uncertainty Among Employers and Graduate Anxiety Cast Shadow Over UK Job Market

"Survey Reveals International Graduates in UK Facing Employment Challenges, Eyeing Opportunities Abroad"

Survey Reveals Challenges Faced by International Students and Graduates in UK Job Market

A recent survey conducted among university careers professionals sheds light on the difficulties encountered by international students and graduates seeking employment opportunities in the United Kingdom. According to the findings, a significant portion of Graduate Route visa holders are experiencing rejections from UK employers, with a staggering 72% reporting such occurrences.

Furthermore, the survey reveals that 75% of careers professionals have encountered instances where UK employers are unwilling to extend Skilled Worker sponsorship to international students and graduates. Additionally, 70% have observed recruitment pauses among employers, further exacerbating the challenges faced by this demographic.

The survey, conducted by AGCAS’s International Task Group and encompassing insights from professionals across 35 UK universities, aimed to assess the current recruitment landscape for international students and graduates in light of visa policy changes and the impending review by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).

AGCAS has shared the survey results with UKCISA to contribute to a collective response from the sector to the MAC review, underscoring the urgency of addressing these issues.

Key factors contributing to these trends include alterations to the UK’s Skilled Worker visa requirements and uncertainties stemming from the impending MAC review. Career advisors participating in the survey provided firsthand accounts of employer sentiments and recruitment dynamics, as well as the perspectives and challenges faced by international students and graduates navigating the job market.

Alarmingly, 70% of international students and graduates seeking employment, as reported by university career teams, are now exploring alternative job opportunities beyond the UK. Additionally, 56% of those considering further education are looking to pursue their studies outside the UK, reflecting a growing trend of seeking alternatives amidst the challenging landscape within the country.

AGCAS voices alarm over the growing unease among employers and graduates amidst the UK job market's shifting landscape. With a significant portion of international students and graduates now actively seeking opportunities abroad, concerns about visa uncertainties and employer awareness are reaching a critical juncture.

The report reveals that 51% of employers engaging with university career services are seeking guidance on recruitment practices, highlighting a widespread lack of understanding regarding visa and immigration routes, reported by 77% of career professionals.

Jeremy Swan, AGCAS's interim executive director, stresses the importance of preserving the Graduate Route and providing clarity and support for employers. AGCAS's policy positions paper emphasizes the need to maintain the UK's competitiveness as a study destination and harness international graduates to fill skills gaps.

Echoing these sentiments are the sentiments of career professionals, who express deep concerns over the mental health impact on students due to visa uncertainties. Many students feel unwelcome and exploited, with regrets over their decision to study in the UK.

While most employers are honoring existing offers, 30% have withdrawn offers from international graduates. Moreover, 52% anticipate challenges recruiting international graduates due to minimum salary increases under the Skilled Worker visa.

Anne Marie Graham, CEO of UKCISA, underscores the integral role of career development in international students' education experience and urges policymakers to grasp the significance of the Graduate Route review.

Simultaneously, Student Circus's research raises fresh concerns, revealing that despite a surge in companies with sponsorship licenses, the UK job market may not sufficiently accommodate international graduates. Only a fraction of licensed sponsors are deemed suitable, indicating a disconnect between available opportunities and graduates' expectations.

Tripti Maheshwari, co-founder of Student Circus, emphasizes the need for students to navigate the UK job market effectively, underscoring the challenges posed by limited timeframes and misconceptions about employment prospects.

As the debate intensifies, stakeholders stress the imperative of equipping international students with comprehensive information and support to navigate the evolving job landscape effectively.

Source: The pie News