Why Britain's graduates are turning to benefits instead of jobs
A growing number of graduates in Britain are struggling to find work after university. Many now rely on unemployment or sickness benefits, with concerns rising over the reasons behind this trend. Students in cities popular with Gen-Z have pointed to welfare support as a possible factor in reduced job-seeking efforts.
Last year, 707,000 degree holders were not working and receiving state benefits—a 46% increase since before the pandemic. Nearly one in three of these graduates claimed they were too sick to work, reflecting a shift in benefit claims.
Some graduates blame a lack of experience for their job struggles, while others report frustration after receiving no responses from employers. The gap between education and employment has left many calling for better support in securing jobs after graduation.
Students have also suggested that broader definitions of sickness benefits, along with rising awareness of conditions like ADHD and autism, may play a role. While exact figures for 18-24-year-olds claiming benefits for these diagnoses in 2023 remain unclear, the trend has sparked debate.
For many, a degree no longer guarantees a job, leading to mounting debt and disillusionment. Some argue that declining mental health and increased diagnoses of neurodivergent conditions contribute to lower motivation among graduates.
The rise in graduates claiming benefits highlights ongoing challenges in the job market. Without clearer pathways from education to employment, many face financial uncertainty. The situation has prompted calls for targeted measures to help new graduates transition into work.
