The table provides a breakdown of employment rates among first-degree graduates from universities in four UK countries—Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland—following the completion of their first courses in 2001. The data is categorized into permanent, temporary, and overseas employment, along with the overall employment percentage for each country.
Overall, Scotland had the highest graduate employment rate, with a majority securing permanent positions. In contrast, Northern Ireland had the lowest total employment rate, with a particularly small proportion in permanent and temporary roles. While England had a higher share of temporary employment than other nations, overseas employment remained a minor category across all four countries.
Scotland recorded the highest total employment rate at 66.4%, with 43.6% of graduates securing permanent jobs—the highest figure in this category. Additionally, 20.2% of Scottish graduates took temporary jobs, while only 2.6% found employment overseas.
England followed, with a total employment rate of 58.3%. Although its permanent employment rate (33%) was significantly lower than Scotland’s, it had the highest proportion of graduates in temporary roles (23%). Overseas employment stood at 2.3%, the lowest of all four nations.
Wales had a notably lower overall employment rate (45.3%). Only 30% of its graduates entered permanent employment, while 12.4% took on temporary work, making it the second-lowest in this category. A slightly higher proportion (2.9%) were employed overseas.
Northern Ireland had the smallest share of employed graduates, at just 33.6%. Notably, only 20% secured permanent jobs, the lowest across all four nations. Similarly, temporary employment was at 8.6%, the smallest proportion in this category. However, Northern Ireland had the highest percentage of graduates employed abroad (5%).