Unemployment among services sector degree-holders rises 12-fold

UNEMPLOYMENT rates among young people with degrees to work in the services sector rose 12-fold in less than two years.

The proportion of those aged 25 to 34 with at least a level 8 degree in services — covering areas such as sports, catering and transport management — rose from 1% in the first quarter of 2008 to 12% at the end of last year.

Analysis by Fás’s skills and labour market research unit also reveals that young graduates in teaching, engineering, manufacturing and construction also quadrupled.