Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the number of graduates in (a) engineering and technology, (b) physical sciences, (c) computer science, (d) mathematical sciences and (e) biological sciences which will be required over the next 10 years. [139597]

Mr Willetts, Minister of State (Minister for Universities and Science): We do not have estimates of demand for each graduate subject. However, the Working Futures 2012 report, published by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES)(1), estimates that:

(a) 723,000 science, research engineering and technology professionals will be required between 2010 and 2020; and

(b)<.i> 194,000 science, engineering and technology associate professional will be required over the same period.

(1) Working Futures 2010-20 revised August 2012: UKCES evidence report 41 by Institute for Employment Studies and Cambridge Econometrics.

Note:

The report is based on a forecast model which utilises a range of labour market data and a complex macroeconomic model. The 2012 report is the fourth in the series.

In both cases the bulk of this demand comes from people retiring who will need replacing.

These figures are broad indications of demand based on a number of complex assumptions. Previous Working Futures reports have shown similar levels of demand for these occupations.

These occupations will be filled by people from higher education, further education, higher apprenticeships, from unemployment and inactivity, from career changes and from migration.

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