A quarter of Scots graduates are still not in full-time work three years on

MORE than a quarter of graduates were not in full-time work more than three years after leaving Scottish universities, new figures show.

Data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) revealed 26.7 per cent of graduates who left higher education in 2006-7 were not employed on a full time basis three and a half years later.

However, the Scottish figure was marginally better than that for the UK as a whole, with 27.7 per cent of graduates still looking for full-time work three years on.

According to the figures for Scotland, some 9 per cent were in part-time paid or voluntary and unpaid work, while 4.8 per cent were working and studying and 6.4 per cent were just studying.

The remaining graduates not in full-time work were either assumed to be unemployed, not available for employment, or “creating a portfolio”.

The figures also showed that for those who graduated in 2006-7, around three-quarters were earning more than £21,000 as of last year, with the median salary being £25,500.

Across the UK as a whole, the figures showed that 3.6 per cent of graduates from 2006-7 were assumed to be unemployed, a rise on previous years.

Sally Hunt, general secretary of the University and College Union (UCU), said the figures were “worrying”.

She said: “While it is encouraging that the majority of the class of 2007 recognise the value and worth of their degree, it is worrying that the number of unemployed graduates has risen.

“The countries investing in graduates and high skills are the ones who will prosper in long run.”

CHRIS MARSHALL