Cutting the 50% university student target, as well as gradually increasing student top-up fees, are among the proposals from the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR).

The AGR’s manifesto for graduate recruitment also calls for:

• the embedding of employability skills in all degree courses
• the introduction of the Higher Education Achievement Report alongside the degree classification
• more high-quality work experience for students before and during university
• a national savings scheme to aid families preparing for the cost of higher education
• tax breaks for employers of graduates who are entering the workplace for the first time
• best practice guidance and increased practical support for university and school careers services
• a streamlined visa process for firms recruiting international graduates
  
  

Carl Gilleard, chief executive of the AGR, says: “These proposals reflect the views of 750 major employers which collectively recruit around 30,000 graduates a year in the UK. In our opinion, there has never been a greater need for government, employers and universities to build a shared vision for higher education. I do not believe it is over-stating the case to say that the UK’s prosperity and productivity are depending on it.

But Arash Peyami, director Graduate Headhunters, told Recruiterthat school leavers should be encouraged to enter university, rather than be put off by escalating fees.

“I feel that people wishing to pursue further education should be encouraged to attend in order to develop new skills, thus creating a more skilled workforce for the future. Being a graduate myself, the knowledge, skills and social awareness gained from attending university is invaluable and no one wishing to follow this path should be led to believe otherwise.”