Firms 'positive about graduate recruitment'

By Nikki Barrister

Employers remain optimistic about graduate recruitment next year despite the difficult economic climate, according to a study.

According to the UK Graduate Careers Survey 2009, carried out by High Fliers Research, a quarter of firms plan to take on more staff next year and half expect to maintain their recruitment at this year's levels.

Just 13 per cent of employers, mainly in the investment banking and engineering and industrial sectors, anticipate cutting recruitment targets further in 2010.

The study also found that 61 per cent of firms looking to recruit graduates are hoping to fill IT positions, while 41 per cent are looking to employ staff in human resources.

More graduates were found to have applied for IT jobs for the first time in nine years, while there was a 46 per cent jump in applications for engineering positions.

Earlier this week, the Department for Work and Pensions claimed the recruitment market remains dynamic despite the difficult economic climate, with 276,900 people coming off unemployment benefits last month.

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Filed: 29-04-2009