Several universities in the United Kingdom have advised fresh graduates to apply for welfare benefits after completing their studies, including those who have jobs lined up or are living with their parents.

King’s College London, Loughborough University and the University of Stirling are among institutions that have issued guidance encouraging graduates to consider support such as Universal Credit and Jobseeker’s Allowance.

King’s College London said such benefits could serve as a safety net for graduates moving from full-time education into employment, including those waiting several weeks to begin jobs.

The University of Stirling advised students that they could submit claims from the day after their official course end date, while Loughborough University urged departing students not to delay making any eligible claims.

The guidance comes amid concerns over the UK’s graduate employment market and rising youth unemployment. The unemployment rate among people aged 16 to 24 stood at 16.4 per cent in the three months to July, according to figures cited in the report.

Data from recruitment platform Adzuna showed that 8,383 positions aimed at university leavers were advertised in July, representing a 45 per cent decline from the previous year and the lowest figure since the platform began tracking the data in 2016.

The guidance has attracted criticism from Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott, who described it as “madness” and argued that universities should prepare young people for employment rather than encourage dependence on welfare.

However, Nick Hillman of the Higher Education Policy Institute defended graduates’ access to welfare support, noting that not all graduates secure well-paid employment immediately after completing their studies.

King’s College London also defended its guidance, saying 86 per cent of its graduates were in highly skilled employment or further study 15 months after graduation. The university said it provided advice on additional assistance to a small number of students without savings or other means of support while they searched for work.