麻豆约拍

Jonathan Freedland looks at graduate employment today and in the 16th century. Among Jonathan's guests are David Blunkett and actor Nigel Planer - Neil in 'The Young Ones' - who provides the historical readings.

As graduates today grapple with the difficulties of finding suitable employment, they might reflect on the experiences of graduates in the 16th century. In response to the Reformation, university education had undergone significant expansion - but when the newly qualified youngsters went out into the world, they found very few jobs waiting for them. Among them was dramatist Christopher Marlowe. Some say that the alienation which followed was a contributing factor in the English Civil War.

Alongside David Blunkett, Jonathan is also joined by historian Professor Nandini Das, Phil Baty of Times Higher Education magazine, Conservative MP Kwasi Kwarteng and Shiv Malik, author of the book 'Jilted Generation', to debate the lessons for today.

Producer: Laurence Grissell.