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\t\tEmployers are concerned about new hires’ professional conduct \t<\/p>\n\t\t\tFriday 08 May 2026 9:31 am
\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0|\u00a0\u00a0Updated:\u00a0<\/p>\n
\t\t\tFriday 08 May 2026 9:54 am\n\t<\/p>\n
\t\tEmployers are concerned about new hires’ professional conduct \t<\/p>\n
Over half of employers are concerned over the professional conduct of graduate hires, according to new research.<\/p>\n
As many as 52 per cent of companies said they had increased time spent undertaking professional conduct training and supporting employees in the shift from education to employment, according to the Institute of Student Employers (ISE)<\/p>\n
The Institute, which represents over 700 UK organisations and supports employers in hiring and training graduates and entry-level recruits, said the heightened concern shows \u201cgrowing recognition that workplace norms, behaviours and expectations require more explicit support at entry.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
It added that employers have low expectations for graduates in adjusting to workplace environments, as well as lacking motivation and self-awareness, pushing companies to focus on training for new hires which covers developing problem solving skills, working with others, and decision making.<\/p>\n
A majority of employers said they were \u201cbroadly satisfied\u201d with new graduate hires\u2019<\/a> foundational skills, however 35 per cent rated these to be \u201cbelow expectations\u201d, The Times reported.\u00a0<\/p>\n Stephen Isherwood, joint chief executive at ISE said there are \u201cgrowing concerns\u201d for companies over graduate employees\u2019 ability to adapt to the demands that come with a professional workplace environment.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cGiven the expected changes to the nature of entry-level roles, hiring adaptable candidates will remain a priority and likely a persistent challenge,\u201d Isherwood said.<\/p>\n \u201cMore attention is being given to support the transition from education to the workplace during inductions, but these findings reinforce the importance of work experience and embedding these capabilities across the curriculum.\u201d<\/p>\n AI misrepresents graduate abilities<\/p>\n The ISE also said AI is making it more difficult for companies to judge candidates fairly in the recruitment stage.\u00a0<\/p>\n Over a third of employers reported that overuse of the technology<\/a> to tailor applications is misrepresenting applicants\u2019 skills, up from around half in 2025.\u00a0<\/p>\n Isherwood said AI will also \u201cdramatically change\u201d the scope of entry-level roles.\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tRead more<\/p>\n