Top universities tell graduates to claim benefits from day one — even with a job already lined up

From the Newshound archive · first published 25 September 2026 · last updated 26 September 2026.

King's College London, Loughborough University and the University of Stirling are among Russell Group and major UK institutions advising graduates to file Universal Credit claims the moment their courses end. One university told students they 'shouldn't feel bad' about claiming even if living at home or with a job 'lined up in a few weeks'. The guidance arrives as graduate job vacancies have collapsed 45 per cent in a year to just 8,383 — lower than at the HEIGHT of Covid lockdowns.

Youth unemployment among 16-to-24-year-olds has hit 16.4 per cent, its highest level in over a decade.

Loughborough University told departing students: 'As a general rule, do not delay in making any claim for benefits.'

Shadow education secretary Laura Trott condemned the guidance, arguing universities should be preparing graduates for work, not fast-tracking them onto welfare.