Our new report, ‘The way we’ll work: labour market trends and preparing for the hourglass,’ which highlights that the shortage of graduates threatens the future growth of the UK economy. Contrary to popular belief, indicators suggest that there is a shortage of graduates in the UK, not too many. Technology is changing the way we work and the structure of the labour market which is resulting in an increased demand for graduate attributes. In light of these projections, the decision to cut around 25,000 university places for next year could seriously hold back our capacity for economic growth. The report draws on the large body of evidence on the shape of labour markets in developed economies. It demonstrates that if the UK is to remain globally competitive we need a greater proportion of graduates in our workforce. We also need to create genuine progression opportunities to drive social mobility and equip the population for the demands of an hourglass-shaped labour market. You can read more about the impact on changes to the labour market in a blog by Libby Hackett, Director of University Alliance. Read the report Follow the debate on Twitter @UniAlliance | #needmoregrads
Further reading
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Reading the tea leaves: what Higher Education can learn from the past term and what’s brewing for 2026
As the autumn term closes, the tea leaves have settled. What patterns do they reveal about the government’s vision for higher education and how universities will fare under it? The…
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University Alliance responds to OfS consultation on the future approach to quality regulation
University Alliance has responded to the Office for Students' consultation on the future approach to quality regulation.
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‘Much-needed clarity and a win for research environments’ – University Alliance responds to REF 2029 updates
Vanessa Wilson, CEO of University Alliance, has responded to the REF 2029 updates following the three-month pause.