A new global report from Prospects at Jisc shows that early-career graduate employment has fallen back to pre-COVID levels, signalling a tougher job market for students completing their degrees in 2025. The surge in hiring that followed the pandemic recovery has now faded, and employers are pulling back on entry-level recruitment.

During 2021–2023, many companies expanded hiring to fill shortages caused by the pandemic. This created unusually strong opportunities for fresh graduates. However, in 2024 and 2025, the trend began to reverse. According to analysts, the slowdown reflects global economic uncertainty, shifts in workplace strategy, and more cautious long-term planning across industries.

🔍 What’s Behind the Shift

• Demand for entry-level roles is declining as organisations tighten budgets and rethink expansion plans.
• Automation, restructuring, and cost-cutting pressures are leading firms to favour experienced professionals or contract-based work over fresh graduates.
• Gradual global economic slowdown and uncertainty in sectors that traditionally absorb new graduates — such as hospitality, media, and retail — has reduced hiring.

As a result, many recent graduates are struggling to find stable employment soon after finishing their studies. This trend is visible across different regions, industries and fields of study.

🌍 Impacts and What Graduates Should Do

For fresh graduates worldwide, the slowdown complicates the transition from education to employment. The key consequences:

• Longer job search periods — many are facing delays in securing their first job, increasing financial pressure and uncertainty.
• Need for flexibility — graduates may need to broaden their job search beyond preferred fields or roles, including internships, contract work, or cross-disciplinary roles.
• Importance of upskilling and adaptability — learning additional skills, especially soft skills or digital competencies, can improve employability in a tougher market.

Industry experts advise that universities, employers, and policymakers work together to better support early-career professionals — through career counselling, internship programs, and bridging educational and industry requirements.

✅ What It Means for 2025 Graduates

The return to pre-COVID hiring levels marks the end of an unusually strong employment window. Although the current market is competitive, opportunities still exist, especially for graduates who remain flexible and willing to build skills. The shift also highlights the need for ongoing collaboration between universities, employers and policymakers to support young professionals as they enter a changing job market.

In the long run, graduates who embrace adaptability and continuous learning will be better positioned to succeed — even as economic conditions shift and new technologies reshape job requirements.