UK facing graduate "talent drain"

The UK is at risk of a "talent drain" as half of students are considering leaving the country to work abroad after they graduate, according to a new report.

The Trendence Graduate Barometer, which questioned 15,000 students, found that 63 per cent of those thinking about a move overseas would like to get a job in the US.

Another 47 per cent would move to Australia and 38 per cent would pick Canada. The top five destinations to work abroad were completed by France (35 per cent) and New Zealand (33 per cent).

The study also showed that one in three "high potential" students - defined as those in the top 20 per cent for outstanding academic achievement - would be open to leaving the UK to work overseas.

Kathryn Callow, Trendence UK account director, said: "We're at risk of a talent drain because of the current job market and the impact of constant bad news, which tells students and graduates there are no jobs available and that future prospects are bleak."