I don't think that's necessarily true. Someone with a degree in English lit may go on to be a book publisher, editor, writer, journalist, and so forth. The information learned lends itself well to a number of careers. The same is true of British lit. While outside academia, there may be little return on the degree, it could still be beneficial.
My SIL got his PhD in Renaissance History with a focus on the Church. His intent was to teach at the graduate/seminary level. He felt called to ministry instead but I think he will eventually teach.
LOL you utter meanie!! I have a very good friend in the States who is an English Lit professor. I truly don't think it's useless, even just to teach.. .it helps people appreciate and learn from literature and history. I'd say also there are uses within academia, studying, debating.. and also a degree in English Lit is a degree still and it helps open doors in employment.
Thriftymaid 