Kim Catcheside writes that by stifling universities that want to expand, we are denying those who want to study the chance for better employment. Reflecting on current levels of unemployment, she argues that while some of the people who fail to get HE places this year will have or will get jobs, it is likely that many will be unemployed and getting benefits that would surely be better spent enabling them to fulfil their ambitions. Referring to an OECD estimate that the UK tax payer makes £65,000 for each man and £51,000 for each woman graduate, she concludes that investment in HE really is a win-win proposition.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/higher-education-network/blog/2012/jan/20/he-rationing-limit-universities-recruit