New research by Prospects at Jisc - based on responses from 2,000 graduates - has shed light on the challenges faced by recent graduates in the UK job market. The survey, conducted between 7th February and 9th March 2023, inquired about their preparedness for work and whether they perceived any disadvantages during job applications.
The findings reveal that a significant number of graduates, particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds, women and those with non-university-educated parents, feel that factors such as their ethnicity, gender, or social class have hindered their job prospects.
The research exposed substantial disparities in the way graduates from different ethnic backgrounds perceive their opportunities in the job market. Notably, 43% of ethnic minority graduates felt they were disadvantaged in the job application process, compared to just 8% of white graduates. African, Caribbean, or Black British respondents (51%) and Asian or Asian British respondents (49%) were most likely to express this sentiment. The data underscores that ethnicity plays a significant role in shaping a graduate's perception of their employment prospects.
The research also highlighted gender disparities in the job market. Female graduates were more than twice as likely (10%) than their male counterparts (4%) to report feeling disadvantaged due to their gender during the job application process. Additionally, female graduates expressed greater unpreparedness for work (32%) compared to male graduates (25%). These findings emphasise that gender biases continue to persist, impacting women's confidence and opportunities in the job market.
Furthermore, the study revealed that social class remains a substantial barrier to success in the job market. A fifth of graduates believed they were set back in their job applications due to their social class. Respondents whose parents didn't attend university were more likely to express this feeling (24%) than those with university-educated parents (15%). The data underscores that social class backgrounds continue to influence employment opportunities and perceptions.
The research also addressed the experiences of graduates with disabilities, health conditions and neurodivergent conditions. While 13% of respondents with disabilities or health conditions and 14% of neurodivergent individuals felt disadvantaged during job applications, fewer reports surfaced regarding hindrances based on sexual orientation (5%). Moreover, respondents with disabilities (42%) and neurodivergent graduates (36%) were more likely to feel unprepared for work compared to their counterparts without these conditions. These findings underscore the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities and neurodiverse conditions in the job market.
Chris Rea, a graduate careers expert at Prospects for Jisc, summarised the implications of this research:
"It's clear that many graduates feel the jobs market is stacked against them, and this could negatively affect their motivation to apply for jobs as well as the type of roles they go for. While students may not think the job application process is fair, that doesn’t necessarily mean it isn’t. Employers need to hire more diverse candidates, and many are aware the impact the hiring process can have. These findings show how important it is to review application processes to ensure that they are transparent and accessible to all.”
