New research from Indeed reveals a significant shift in the UK job market towards skills-based hiring, with only 14% of job postings mentioning educational qualifications. This trend indicates that UK employers are increasingly prioritizing skills and experience over formal education, a stark contrast to the U.S., where nearly 50% of job ads specify education requirements. 

The research found that 65% of UK employers consider educational qualifications less important than before when hiring. Despite this, while 61% of employers still review university degrees during candidate screening, only 5% of job postings explicitly require a degree. 

Over the past six years, more than half (52%) of sectors in the UK have seen a reduction in degree requirements, including high-skill, technical occupations. For instance, degree requirements for jobs in mathematics have declined by 7% between the first half of 2018 and 2024. Similarly, occupations in social science and information design have experienced around a 3% decline. 

Conversely, some sectors, particularly those involving regulated professions, have seen an increase in educational requirements. Job postings in dental occupations, civil engineering, therapy, veterinary, and scientific research and development have seen a 3% to 5% rise in degree requirements, reflecting legal and industry-specific standards. 

Jack Kennedy, Senior UK Economist at Indeed, noted, “Our research highlights a growing trend where employers are moving away from evaluating candidates solely based on their educational qualifications. While educational requirements are often implied, it might be beneficial for employers to explicitly state whether a degree is necessary or if equivalent experience is acceptable.” 

As labor supply remains tight in certain sectors, a shift towards skills-first hiring could help employers broaden their candidate pools, ensuring that both skills and experience are adequately considered in the recruitment process. 

Read More: https://theeducationview.com/