In a heartfelt LinkedIn post that has touched many, Swetha Kothandan, an Indian student in the UK, has offered to work for free in a desperate bid to secure employment and extend her stay. Graduating in 2022 with a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Leicester, Kothandan’s experience highlights a larger issue: the dwindling job opportunities for many international students in Britain, particularly those from India.

Recent statistics indicate that India is a leading source of international students in the UK. According to Universities UK, during the academic year 2021-22, there were 126,535 Indian students enrolled in UK institutions, making India the second-largest contributor after China. UK government data estimates that each international student contributes over £100,000 to the British economy throughout their stay.

Despite these impressive figures, many international students, including Indian graduates, are finding it increasingly difficult to secure employment. The pressing question is: Is the UK’s economic slowdown creating barriers for Indian students in the job market?

Reduced job opportunities in the UK: Alarming stats

As of October 2023, the UK faces a challenging economic landscape characterized by high inflation and rising unemployment. The unemployment rate climbed to 4.2% in February 2024, up from 3.9% just months prior, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) reports that nearly 70% of companies are cutting back on recruitment, leading to fewer graduate-level jobs available for international students. Consequently, for many graduates, particularly from non-EU countries like India, securing a visa-sponsored job has become an increasingly difficult journey.

How is the UK’s economic slowdown hitting Indian students?

The economic downturn has intensified the struggles faced by Indian students in the UK. Many graduates, who have invested substantial sums in their education, anticipated securing positions in flourishing sectors such as IT, healthcare, engineering, and finance. However, as the economy slows, these industries have scaled back hiring, limiting opportunities for fresh graduates.

Conditions are even tougher in sectors like retail and hospitality, which have traditionally offered entry-level positions to international graduates, including those from India. Reports indicate that these sectors are not only providing fewer jobs but are also significantly reducing wages, despite the skyrocketing cost of living in cities like London. This creates a challenging scenario for students who are trying to manage increasingly costly lifestyles.

Moreover, many employers cite the recession as a reason to tighten their hiring processes, favoring local candidates over international talent due to the complications of sponsorship and visa applications. This trend has placed immense pressure on the already limited job pool, making it even tougher for fresh graduates, especially those lacking local work experience or professional networks, to break into the market.

The ethics of unpaid work: A raging debate

Kothandan’s experience of applying to over 300 positions, while receiving minimal constructive feedback, highlights the urgent reality faced by countless international students. Her heartfelt plea—“My Graduate Visa EXPIRES in 3 months… this LinkedIn post is my FINAL chance to secure a long-term future in the UK”—resonates deeply with many who find themselves in similar situations. The current job landscape seems uninviting, with companies reluctant to sponsor visas amid ongoing economic uncertainty.

In a striking display of desperation, Kothandan offered to work for free for a month, reflecting a troubling trend in a tightening job market. Many observers have raised concerns over such practices, arguing they undermine the value of skilled work and could set a worrying precedent for future job seekers.

A call for action: Supporting international students in a volatile economy

Kothandan’s struggles also raise critical questions about the support systems available for international students in the UK. As many face similar challenges, there is a need for the government and educational institutions to reassess their roles in facilitating job placements and visa sponsorships for graduates.

As the UK economy shows signs of recovery, with a recent ONS report indicating a 0.6% GDP growth from January to March 2024, it’s essential for policymakers to address these systemic issues. Supporting graduates in their pursuit of meaningful employment should be a priority, not just to retain talent but to ensure the UK remains an attractive destination for future international students.

In light of these challenges, the conversation surrounding the value of work, the implications of unpaid internships, and the broader economic climate must continue to evolve, ensuring that the aspirations of students like Kothandan are met with opportunities rather than despair.