One in three graduates on benefits say poor health prevents them from working

"One in three graduates who are out of work and claiming benefits say poor health is preventing them from finding employment, as new analysis highlights mounting concern over the value of some university degrees and the UK's approach to skills training. Research by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) shows that 707,000 graduates are now claiming benefits, a 46 per cent increase since 2019."

"The analysis has intensified scrutiny of degrees with low earning potential. According to the CSJ, some performing arts graduates from institutions including the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama and University of Wales Trinity Saint David earned less than £20,000 five years after graduating. Psychology graduates from University of Suffolk and the University of Bolton earned under £21,000 over the same period."

707,000 graduates are claiming benefits, a 46% increase since 2019. Around 240,000 cited health problems as the main reason they were unable to work in 2025, up from 117,000 before the pandemic. Almost 950,000 people are classified as not in education, employment or training (NEETs), and 80% of benefit-claiming graduates under 30 point to health-related issues. Among 16- to 24-year-olds out of work, 34% hold qualifications at A level or above, 30% have GCSE-level qualifications, and 36% have below-GCSE or unknown qualifications. Some performing arts and psychology degrees have median five-year earnings below £21,000. Higher-level apprenticeships tend to outperform degrees in earnings for many.

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