Graduate jobs 'relatively unscathed' by recession

Graduate jobs 'relatively unscathed' by recession

10.2.2010

The dramatic graduate job cuts feared last summer have failed to materialise, according to the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) biannual survey*.

Vacancies in 2009 actually fell by 8.9%, far less than the 24.9% predicted during last summer's survey.

The AGR said the figures, based on responses from 214 members covering more than 19,000 graduates, showed degree-level recruitment was emerging from the recession "relatively unscathed".

The news comes as a survey yesterday warned that graduates - in the rush to find and secure jobs this year - were 'panic-applying' to multiple firms across sectors, ready to accept more than one job offer to hedge their bets.

Carl Gilleard, AGR chief executive, said: "Today's survey suggests that the graduate employment market is starting to normalise and to begin the process of recovery. A small decrease following a large one the year before is consistent with previous trends and, by 2011, we could be seeing vacancy increases for the first time since 2008."

The recruiters surveyed urged graduates to improve their employability by taking temporary paid employment, skills training or unpaid work if a job offer is not forthcoming.

*To read this article in full, as featured on the Personnel Today site, click here.

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