Graduate job vacancies in the UK have fallen to their lowest level in a decade, with only 8,383 positions advertised in July, according to data from recruitment website Adzuna. This figure represents a 45% decline compared to the same period last year and is the lowest since the company began collecting data in 2016.
The decrease in vacancies comes as 262,820 people are preparing to attend university in September, a record high. Adzuna co-founder Andrew Hunter described July's numbers as "a step backwards, not a blip," noting that the annual vacancy decline worsened for the first time since January.
Sectors including healthcare, nursing, hospitality, and logistics posted fewer vacancies, suggesting a reversal of a recovery reported in the spring. However, Adzuna reported increases in job opportunities for university leavers in travel, teaching, and construction.
The decline in graduate roles is attributed to various factors, including employers reining in hiring due to increases in national insurance contributions and the minimum wage. Some companies are also reportedly prioritising investment in automation and artificial intelligence over new hires.