Nearly half of employers in the UK (45%) say it is no longer important to them that a job applicant has a degree, according to new research from Hays.

The research showed that a further 39% of organisations say a degree is quite important but not essential when hiring, while only 16% say having a degree is essential according to the research which is based on a survey of nearly 15,000 professionals and employers.

Meanwhile, almost three-quarters (73%) of employers believe an employee’s willingness to learn is more important than their existing skillset. Additionally, 80% of employers would be likely to hire a professional who does not possess all the required skills, with the intention of upskilling them, rising from 73% who said the same last year.

Despite nearly half of employers stating that degrees are no longer important, the research showed degrees are still preferable for public sector employers.

Employers in the private sector are more likely to say that having a degree is not important (49%) compared to 31% of employers in public services organisations. Over one in five public sector employers (22%) say a degree is essential and they wouldn’t consider an applicant without it.

These findings mirror those of employers based in London, with over one in five (21%) saying they would not consider a job applicant without a degree.

Overall, of the employers who deem a degree essential when hiring (16%), 72% said they would prefer a level 6 qualification (such as a bachelor’s degree, graduate diploma), while 26% said they would prefer a level 7 qualification such as a master’s degree.

Simon Winfield, CEO of Hays UK and Ireland, said, “It’s encouraging to see employers are becoming much more open minded when it comes to hiring staff in a skills short market. There are still professions where degrees are required or preferred, however there’s so many more routes into the world of work including apprenticeships and academies where professionals can earn and learn at the same time.”

“Opening up routes to entry is so important for levelling the playing field for professionals, with plenty of employers indicating aptitude and willingness to learn is more important than existing skillsets,” Winfield added. “Employers who can support different options to access work, focusing on skills and experience rather than qualifications will be more likely to stand the test of time when it comes to having the talent they need.”