I dimly recall we were pitched something about joining the BCS when I was doing my master's - I'm not sure if it was a full presentation or just some pamphlets that were passed around. I don't think any of us joined because it was quite expensive (£139 annually now) and it was supremely unclear what the benefits were.

Since then, I don't believe I've ever heard it mentioned.

[citation needed] on that unemployment figure. Is that a unemployment for recent graduates, or anyone with a CS degree?

I find that figure surprising because:

1) https://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2014/11/19/the-colle...

2) This is purely anecdotal, but I've had no problem finding jobs as a self-taught programmer in Canada. I'm paid nearly 6 figures with 3 years of experience in a field where I don't have formal training. If that's not sign of a skills shortage, I don't know what is.

Here you go - 14% according to https://www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/blog/20...

The Graun being the Graun they can't make the leap of logic to "supply and demand".