GRADUATES still earn significantly higher salaries than those without degrees despite in the number of people getting degrees, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

On average, British graduates earn 59 per cent more than people with only school qualifications, according to the annual Education At A Glance report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

OECD expert Andreas Schleicher said: " "With a very flexible labour market in the UK these results are quite striking."

The report found that individuals gained less financially if they began degree courses later in life.