Six in 10 of those who graduated in the past three years have not found a graduate job, according to research from talent management provider SHL.

The survey, which polled 1,000 recent graduates and 350 graduate recruiters, also finds 40% would not have gone to university if they had to pay £9k fees each year. Almost three in four (73%) of graduates would consider moving abroad to find work, with better salary the main driver.

Sean Howard, vice-president business solutions, SHL, says: “The UK is failing its graduates. School leavers are faced with difficult decisions, not only has the cost of going to university risen, but UK employment options are bleak.

“Understandably our graduates are open to the idea of seeking their career abroad and the UK industry is faced with a potential brain drain. If the government won’t reconsider the tuition fees, our recruiters need to reconsider their hiring criteria.”