Less than 50% of employers now stipulate a 2:1

There has been a steady decline in the number of employers who set minimum academic requirements for applicants. Only 48% ask for at least a 2:1 (57% in 2021) and only 13% set a UCAS tariff. When interviewed on Times Radio, ISE CEO Stephen Isherwood gave two reasons for the shift: developments in technology that mean more candidates are tested with job relevant tools; and employers targeting a broader pool of candidates through diversity led initiatives. Read the press release here.

Government signal international student restrictions

Political posturing or a signal of a change in policy, are Rishi and Suella really considering further restrictions on international students? Jim Dickinson dissects the number and explains the link to pressures on student housing over on WonkHE. The government’s own chair of the Migration Advisory Committee, Professor Brian Bell, pointed out the negative impact this would have on many UK universities, all students studying there, and the economy. If you are an employer you can tell us your experiences of the visa system by completing our pulse survey.

Students struggle with mental health more than adults

According government statistics, students’ average life satisfaction score was 6.7 compared to 7.1 for the adult population, and 28% reported that their mental health and well-being had worsened since the start of the Autumn 2021 term. Mental health was a recurring theme at this year’s ISE EDI conference, if you missed it, read the five key takeaways.

Teacher recruitment targets missed by a third

Although the market is colling off, the last recruitment season saw a significant rebound in commercial sector student recruitment. This may explain why the government missed its teacher recruitment needs by 27%. Public sector recruiters normally do better during tough economic times, the ISE have highlighted the five big trends for the current recruitment season.