Graduate Job Vacancies Fall for Fifth Year in a Row

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Graduate job vacancies at leading UK employers have decreased for the fifth year in a row, dropping by over 25 percent in four years and hitting levels not seen since 2010. While opportunities continue to shrink, the decline is slowing, with top employers still offering competitive salaries and high-quality graduate roles amid regional disparities and financial hardships faced by students.

The number of graduate job vacancies at leading UK employers has declined for the fifth consecutive year, marking an unprecedented trend in the job market for recent university graduates. According to analysis ahead of the release of The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers 2026-27 edition, vacancies have fallen by more than 25 percent over the past four years and are expected to decrease further next year. The report notes a 2.7 percent drop in graduate job openings this year, bringing recruitment levels down to figures last seen in 2010.

The civil service retains its position as the UK’s top graduate employer for the second year running, largely attributed to its renowned fast stream programme. The National Health Service follows in second place, while Deloitte has returned to the top three, overtaking PwC for the first time in the history of the rankings. Luxury goods conglomerate LVMH, owner of brands such as Louis Vuitton and Dior, has entered the Top 100 list for the first time, placing 82nd.

Overall, the employers featured in the guide are offering 22,640 graduate vacancies for 2027. Although the number of opportunities continues to decline, the pace of reduction has slowed considerably—from a 14.6 percent fall in 2024 to 5.1 percent in 2025 and just half a percent this year. Median starting salaries across the top graduate employers rose by more than 16 percent over the past five years, standing at £35,000 in 2026, unchanged from the previous year. Investment banks and fund managers offer the highest median graduate pay at around £60,000, with retailer Aldi also notable for its competitive salary of £52,000.

Separate research from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) highlights regional disparities in graduate job availability. The ratio of suitable online vacancies to 18- to 24-year-olds varies significantly, with areas like Rotherham seeing approximately one vacancy per 22 young people, compared to one vacancy for every four in the Cotswolds. This gap underscores uneven access to employment opportunities across the UK.

Additional polling by Save the Student, an organization that supports students with financial advice, reveals that many students are struggling financially. The survey found that numerous students are skipping meals and juggling multiple jobs to compensate for maintenance loans that fail to cover basic living expenses.

Martin Birchall, editor of the graduate employer guide, emphasized that despite the competitive environment, the country’s top employers continue to offer high-quality and well-paid entry-level positions through their graduate recruitment programmes.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.