More graduate jobs pay minimum wage as university premium evaporates

From Yahoo Finance: 2025-04-14 12:16:00

The salary gap between university graduates and minimum wage earners is narrowing, with one in 10 graduate roles now offering £25,000, close to the £25,500 minimum wage. Entry-level roles for degree holders average £27,765, barely above the legal minimum, as the National Living Wage continues to rise significantly.

The gap between the lowest paid graduate roles and the minimum wage has closed, leaving more graduates struggling financially. The average English graduate exits university with £48,470 in debt, further straining their finances in a challenging job market. Employers are finding it hard to maintain pay differentials amidst the rapid wage increase.

Neil Carberry of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation warns that the rising minimum wage and increased employer taxes could hinder job creation for entry-level positions, making it tougher for graduates to secure professional roles. A recent survey shows a rise in job seekers amidst falling vacancies, adding to the challenges faced by graduates entering the workforce.



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