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UK Civil Service Faces STEM Skills Crisis, Experts Warn

1/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

A recent analysis highlights a skills crisis in the UK civil service, noting 23% of senior officials hold Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) degrees.
By comparison, 44% of graduates hold STEM degrees, critics say the civil service favors generalists.
The mandatory judgment test has bias and alienates STEM graduates, including neurodiverse people, triggering discrimination claims.
Experts propose senior specialist roles to better utilize STEM talent within the civil service.

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Story summary

A recent analysis highlights a skills crisis in the UK civil service, noting 23% of senior officials hold Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) degrees.
By comparison, 44% of graduates hold STEM degrees, critics say the civil service favors generalists.
The mandatory judgment test has bias and alienates STEM graduates, including neurodiverse people, triggering discrimination claims.
Experts propose senior specialist roles to better utilize STEM talent within the civil service.