(BBC News)  Universities in the UK are worth £59bn for the economy, says a report into the economic impact of higher education. The report, based on figures for 2007-8, highlights the growing role of universities as major employers and revenue earners. Universities created, directly or indirectly, over 668,500 jobs – or 2.6% of the workforce, says the report. The figures follow the launch of the government’s blueprint to increase the economic importance of universities