Graduate job vacancies drop by almost 50% in a year
Summary
The number of graduate job vacancies in the UK has dropped by almost half over the past year, with just over 8,300 roles available in July 2026 compared to more than 15,000 in July 2025. Employers are hiring fewer entry-level positions due to increased costs and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to screen candidates.Key Facts
- Graduate job vacancies fell from 15,397 in July 2025 to 8,383 in July 2026.
- This is the lowest level of graduate vacancies since Adzuna began tracking them in 2016.
- Competition for all jobs is increasing, with 2.14 job seekers per vacancy in July 2026, up from 1.93 a year earlier.
- Higher employer national insurance contributions and minimum wage increases have made hiring entry-level staff more expensive.
- Some sectors like travel, teaching, and construction saw a rise in job openings, while healthcare, nursing, hospitality, and logistics had fewer vacancies.
- Youth unemployment in the UK was 16.2% in the early months of 2026, with over one million young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
- Employers increasingly use AI to filter job applications, causing frustration among young job seekers.
- The government has introduced new rules for public contracts requiring companies to create jobs and training opportunities.
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