Figures show 87% of UK graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduation

GRADUATE outcomes have remained resilient despite a challenging economy and a cautious jobs market, new figures show.

The National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) said 87% of graduates with permanent residence in the UK were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation.

The data reflects a cohort entering the labour market during a period of subdued economic growth. UK GDP grew by just 0.3% in 2023 and 1.0% in 2024, while business investment and hiring remained cautious.

However, the figures also show that graduate unemployment has increased slightly, although it still rounds to 5%.

There were also significant differences between subject areas. Unemployment reached 10% among Computing graduates and 8% among Business and Management graduates.

The figures also showed that 67% of postgraduate Physical Sciences graduates were in full-time employment, compared with 47% of undergraduates in the same field.

Despite the tougher labour market, graduate satisfaction remained high, with 73% of graduates saying they felt satisfied or very satisfied with their lives 15 months after graduating.

Dr Joe Marshall, Chief Executive of NCUB, said the figures showed universities and employers had adapted to changing labour market needs.

He said: “We know that this is a challenging time for the economy and a changing time for the labour market. Against that backdrop, it is encouraging to see that graduate outcomes remain resilient, with the overwhelming majority of graduates progressing into employment or further study.

“This resilience has not happened by accident. Universities have worked hard, alongside employers and other partners, to adapt to changing labour market needs and develop new and innovative ways to prepare students for the world of work.

“Across the sector, we have seen growing employer partnerships, placements, work-based learning and other opportunities that help students build the skills and experience they need to succeed.”

Dr Marshall said the figures should not lead to complacency, particularly as some graduates are finding the transition into work harder than in previous years.

He added: “Graduate success reflects the strength of the wider economy, the opportunities available to young people, and how effectively universities, employers and policymakers work together to develop and deploy talent.

“If the UK wants stronger growth, higher productivity and greater competitiveness, helping graduates succeed remains a critical part of the answer.

“No university can achieve this alone. Creating more opportunities for graduates and ensuring their skills are fully utilised requires genuine collaboration between universities, employers, government and other education providers.”

The NCUB said institutions with the strongest outcomes were often those embedded within strong networks of partnership between universities, employers and other education providers.

New partnership will celebrate Pembrokeshire’s tourism and hospitality sector

PURE WEST RADIO has been announced as the headline sponsor of the 2026 Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards.

Visit Pembrokeshire said the partnership would help celebrate and champion the county’s tourism and hospitality sector, recognising the businesses, individuals and organisations delivering outstanding visitor experiences.

The awards will take place at the Atrium at Pembrokeshire College on October 29, 2026.

Pure West Radio has also become a new Visit Pembrokeshire Strategic Partner, supporting work to showcase the county’s visitor economy and promote Pembrokeshire as a leading destination.

The Croeso Awards celebrate excellence across the tourism industry, with 17 categories covering accommodation, attractions, food and drink, sustainability, customer service and more.

Organisers said the awards also invest in the future of the sector through a mentoring programme delivered with industry leaders and Pembrokeshire College students.

Winners will be selected by independent tourism and hospitality experts from outside Pembrokeshire.

Emma Thornton, CEO of Visit Pembrokeshire, said: “We are delighted to welcome Pure West Radio as the headline sponsor of the 2026 Croeso Awards and as a new Strategic Partner for Visit Pembrokeshire.

“Pure West Radio shares our passion for Pembrokeshire and our commitment to supporting local businesses and communities. Their strong local reach, community focus and enthusiasm for celebrating success make them a natural partner for the Croeso Awards and for Visit Pembrokeshire more broadly.”

Toby Ellis, Station Manager at Pure West Radio, said: “We are incredibly proud to become the headline sponsor of the 2026 Croeso Awards and to join Visit Pembrokeshire as a Strategic Partner.

“At Pure West Radio, we are passionate about celebrating the people, businesses and organisations that make Pembrokeshire such a fantastic place to live, work and visit.

“The tourism and hospitality sector plays a vital role in our local economy, and the Croeso Awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the dedication, innovation and excellence that can be found across the county.

“We look forward to working closely with Visit Pembrokeshire to champion local success stories, support the industry throughout the year and help showcase Pembrokeshire as one of the UK’s leading visitor destinations.”

Visit Pembrokeshire said the two organisations would work together on campaigns throughout the year, amplifying key messages and supporting businesses across the tourism and hospitality industry.

Visit Pembrokeshire is the official Destination Management Organisation for Pembrokeshire.

Popular Tenby attraction changes hands as Simon and Amanda Meyrick step back

A POPULAR Pembrokeshire family attraction has been sold, bringing to an end more than three decades of ownership by the family who built it from the ground up.

The Dinosaur Park, near Tenby, has officially changed hands after owners Simon and Amanda Meyrick announced their retirement following 32 years running the business.

Founded in 1994, the park has become one of Pembrokeshire’s best-known family attractions, welcoming generations of local children and holidaymakers through its gates.

Set in countryside just outside Tenby, the attraction features more than 90 dinosaur models, 36 rides and activities, play areas, a family fun activity house, woodland trails and animatronic exhibits, alongside cafés and takeaway food outlets.

For many families, the park has become a summer tradition, with more than 650 families reportedly holding season tickets and schools regularly visiting for educational trips.

The Meyricks confirmed the sale in a heartfelt message to customers, staff and supporters.

“As many of you will know the Dinosaur Park has been on the market and it has now sold,” they said.

“Time waits for no man or woman and after 32 years of creating and building the park into the business it is today our bones and brains are creaking.

“To all of our lovely customers we thank you for being part of our journey.

“To our season ticket holders, many of whom have become like an extension of our family, to all our staff over the years and our suppliers, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

“It’s been a blast and we hope the park has given you all some treasured memories too.”

The couple added that they were pleased the attraction would continue under new ownership.

“We wish the new owners all the very best of luck and are excited to know the park will be in safe hands for the future,” they said.

The sale comes after a strong period of national recognition for the attraction. Last year, The Dinosaur Park was ranked sixth in a UK-wide study of the best value-for-money theme parks by entertainment site Sudoku Bliss.

It was also named among the best-value theme parks in Britain and later recognised by Tripadvisor as being in the top 10 per cent of attractions worldwide.

While the identity of the new owners has not yet been publicly announced, the news marks the end of an era for one of Pembrokeshire’s most recognisable visitor attractions.