Employers call for increase in student fees and end to 50% target
10 March 2010
Employers have called for a phased increase in student top-up fees and an end to the government's 50% target for participation in higher education.
The Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) said the moves were "vital" to raising standards, arguing that the "artificial" 50% target had devalued degrees.
In a Manifesto for graduate recruitment the AGR urged political parties to support the gradual removal of the cap on student top-up fees by 2020 and to help launch a national savings scheme to prepare families for the cost of higher education.
Carl Gilleard, chief executive of the AGR, said: "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 overstating the case to say that the UK's prosperity and productivity are depending on it.
"We know that some of these calls to action - particularly those which relate to funding and finance - are unlikely to receive a universal welcome.
"After careful consideration, however, we have concluded that this package of measures is the best way to drive up standards in higher education, provide a better return on investment for students and parents, and ensure the UK remains competitive in a global knowledge economy," said Mr Gilleard.