Does the current student loan repayment system unfairly hold back career progression?

The UK student loan system requires graduates earning above £25,000 to repay 9% of income above that threshold, with balances growing at RPI inflation plus up to 3% and typically written off after 30-40 years. Many graduates face repayments that reduce take-home pay for decades, coinciding with high housing costs and stagnant real wages. This structure affects career choices, home ownership and wealth building for those in their 20s and 30s.