Indian Student Launches-Thomas Tours to Boost Graduate Morale in London :

Prime Vista News

Amid a challenging job market and rising concerns over graduate unemployment in the UK, a young student from Kerala has launched a social enterprise aimed at restoring dignity, financial stability, and morale among international graduates in London.

Jame Thomas Mathew, a 23-year-old from Mallappally in Kerala’s Thiruvalla region, recently completed his Master’s degree in macroeconomics from the London School of Economics (LSE). Instead of waiting endlessly for job offers in an uncertain employment climate, he decided to create his own opportunity and share it with others like him.

The result is Thomas Tours, a graduate-led tour guide service designed to offer fair pay, flexibility, and meaningful work to students struggling to find stable employment in the UK.

A Social Enterprise Born Out of Necessity

Named after his grandfather, Thomas Tours reflects Jame’s desire to blend entrepreneurship with social responsibility. The initiative allows graduates, particularly international students on post-study visas, to work part-time as local tour guides while continuing to pursue long-term career opportunities.

“I understand the financial plight of graduates like myself,” Jame says. “I’ve seen friends forced to leave London due to financial pressure, while others remain stuck in exploitative part-time jobs just to survive.”

As a graduate on the UK’s Graduate Route visa which allows students to remain in the country for job-seeking after completing their studies Jame has witnessed first-hand the impact of a tightening labor market, compounded by rising living costs and anti-immigrant rhetoric.

London Through a Local Lens

Drawing on his own experience as a cash-strapped student, Jame designed Thomas Tours to be budget-friendly, immersive, and distinctly local. Instead of luxury coaches or expensive packages, the tours rely on London’s public transport system, walking routes, and insider shortcuts.

“Our unique selling point is that we take visitors around like a local,” Jame explains. “Using the Tube, red buses, and London’s walking-friendly layout, we create customised itineraries at almost half the cost of traditional city tours.”

An avid cyclist since moving to London, Jame has developed an in-depth understanding of the city’s geography, shortcuts, and rhythms knowledge he now channels into personalised travel experiences.

Fair Pay and Flexibility at the Core

At the heart of Thomas Tours is a commitment to dignity and fair compensation. The model ensures that participating graduates earn at least the London Living Wage of £14.80 per hour, with the added possibility of tips based on guest satisfaction.

“The idea is simple,” Jame says. “Graduates need flexibility. They should be able to earn enough to sustain themselves while still having time to apply for jobs and attend interviews.”

Under the model, graduates can work as tour guides for a few days a week, gaining financial certainty without being trapped in zero-hour contracts or exhausting retail roles that offer little growth or respect.

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Responding to a Harsh Employment Reality

Jame observed many fellow graduates taking up demoralizing retail or hospitality jobs simply to pay rent, often at the cost of their mental well-being and professional aspirations.

“I’ve seen talented people working long hours in exploitative conditions, barely making ends meet and losing confidence with every rejection,” he recalls.

Thomas Tours aims to counter this by offering work that is engaging, social, and intellectually stimulating allowing graduates to interact with travelers from across the world, sharpen communication skills, and even build professional networks.

Tailor-Made Tours With a Human Touch

Thomas Tours offers a range of curated experiences, including:

• Icons of London
• Museums and Heritage Walks
• Shopping Streets
• Sports and Theatre Experiences

The process begins with a free online introductory chat to understand a traveller’s interests, health needs, and accessibility requirements. A bespoke itinerary is then created, with payment made only at the agreed meeting point in London.

Tours also include practical money-saving tips for popular attractions such as Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London, ensuring visitors enjoy the city without overspending.

Early Momentum and Future Vision

Launched in late January, Thomas Tours has already secured bookings for June, signalling early interest and steady growth. Jame believes the personalised nature of the service sets it apart in a crowded tourism market.

“Every penny goes directly to the graduate guiding the tour,” he says. “Visitors know they are supporting someone trying to build a future in a city they’ve come to love.”

Beyond income, the initiative has an intrinsic mental health component, helping graduates combat isolation, rejection fatigue, and loss of confidence common struggles in prolonged job searches.

More Than Just Tourism

Having previously guided visiting family members including elderly relatives through London, Jame feels confident in his ability to offer hassle-free, thoughtful experiences.

“London is steeped in history at every corner,” he says. “This initiative helps travellers experience famous landmarks, hidden eateries, and the soul of the city while giving graduates a sense of purpose.”

Looking ahead, Jame hopes Thomas Tours will continue to grow organically, empowering more graduates and perhaps even opening doors to future career opportunities through the diverse connections formed on these walks.

In a city where many graduates feel invisible, Thomas Tours is a small but meaningful reminder that dignity, creativity, and resilience can still carve a path forward.