This works for now, but what happens next recession when all those degree requirements return?
This isn't meant as judgemental, but people only employable due to the labour shortage and only accepted into their field due to the labour shortage are also the people who will struggle most come a lack of a labour shortage.
I know someone who has been acting as her boss's replacement since her boss left the company. But the company refuses to promote her into that job because she doesn't have a degree. 20 years of employment with the company, plus demonstrated ability by actively doing the boss's job, doesn't count as much as an old piece of paper.
To emphasize: This company has a degree requirement not just for hiring inexperienced candidates (of unknown quality), but also for promoting experienced employees (of known quality). Stupidest thing I've ever seen.
This isn't meant as judgemental, but people only employable due to the labour shortage and only accepted into their field due to the labour shortage are also the people who will struggle most come a lack of a labour shortage.