News digest #1

Student recruitment and development

Recent data suggests that graduate vacancies are set to be 20% higher in 2022 than pre-pandemic levels.
ISE’s Nicola Thomas outlines her predictions for 2022, with a focus on the environment, neurodiversity and tech solutions.
Institute of Student Employers appoints new chair and board directors.
New graduates are among those least satisfied with their pay, alongside lawyers and teachers, survey finds.
University of Law to give 50% refund to students that don’t secure a job within nine months of finishing a post-graduate course in business or law.

A large survey of those in education in Wales reveals what else they need to help them recover from school closures, besides catching up academically.
Despite the challenges of home-schooling during the pandemic, international research highlights some benefits found – allowing pupils to work at their own pace and minimised distraction from classmates.
Jim Dickinson evaluates the ‘student-as-consumer’ model after research finds that those who view themselves as consumers have worse academic outcomes.
OfS publishes minimum acceptable outcomes for students, in terms of drop-out rates, course completion and graduate employment. Institutions that are found to be low quality and poor value for money will be penalised.
Mental health crisis among PhD researchers revealed as over 40% suffering with moderate to severe depression or anxiety, significantly higher proportions than in working professionals.

56% of UK businesses are worried that Brexit will increase costs in 2022, particularly due to customs delays for import checks and changes in product labelling. 58% are worried about being able to access suitable labour, skills and talent this year.
Most young people believe they will never become homeowners and a quarter doubt they’ll ever feel financially secure, due to rising costs of living, debt and tax increases. Halifax says that the average first time buyer is now over 30.
Experts suggest more harm would be done by trying to tackle rising inflation, than waiting for it to naturally slow.

Sir John Timpson argues that those who have started at the bottom of an organisation and risen through the ranks to get to management levels end up as better leaders.
Calls for reforms to the immigration system to combat labour shortages and reduce impact on economy.
Green Alliance think tank encourages the UK government to invest in ‘green skills’ to avoid losing out on economic opportunities.
London awarded title of ‘best city in the world to be a young entrepreneur’, with the highest number of Forbes Under 30s.
Lisa Rodgers outlines the legality of employers cutting sick pay for the unvaccinated.
Record numbers starting nursing courses or apprenticeships, as a result of Covid-19.