Students face grim employment figures

Posted 28 May 2009

Graduates are facing stiff competition for jobs post-university after a poll found almost half of British firms will not be recruiting from this demographic in the next three months.

The survey, carried out by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), spells bad news for youngsters looking to get a job in the private sector in the UK.

Gerwyn Davies, public policy adviser at the CIPD, said: "It is going to be a long, hot summer for many of this year’s graduates and school leavers, as they sweat over their chances of finding work."

However, those eyeing teaching careers may be buoyed by the results, which found the public sector is faring slightly better in the economic downturn.

The poll found 57 per cent of employers in this category plan to hire university leavers this year while 39 per cent are looking to recruit 18-year-olds.

Meanwhile, TEFL jobs abroad have been listed in a new government pamphlet advising students of the best ways to make the most of their options in the recession.

The brochure, which will be sent to all university and college-goers who graduate this year, will also include information on volunteering overseas and applying for internships.

Category: Teaching and Learning