Universities UK responded today to the publication of the Association of Graduate Recruiters' (AGR) latest survey of the graduate jobs market.

The survey of recruiters shows that the number of vacancies for graduates this year is expected to be down for the first time since 2003. 
 
Responding to the survey’s findings, Professor Rick Trainor, President of Universities UK, said: “These are challenging times for the employment market and we understand the difficulties graduates may face in getting jobs. But we believe UK graduates are better equipped than others to weather the economic downturn.

“But we are also acting to deal with the immediate problems graduates face in the short term. Providing information, advice and guidance for new graduates entering the job market will be more important than ever. Universities are already responding to this challenge, introducing a range of initiatives to respond to the economic downturn.

“For example, universities are creating their own internships for recent graduates, which will provide talent pools for local business and industry. They are also introducing graduate start-up schemes where funding for training and business support is given to graduates to start up a business. And universities are boosting the advice and guidance on offer for graduates entering the job market.

“The decision on whether to undertake advanced study rather than enter a difficult jobs market will be for the individual to decide. We believe, however, that gaining specialist, higher-level skills will give graduates an edge.

“Research shows that graduates are more likely to be employed and to earn higher salaries compared to those with the next highest qualification and are more likely to return to employment following periods in unemployment or economic inactivity. Higher education is a long-term investment."

Notes

1. The survey results are available from: www.agr.org.uk/

2. Universities UK is the major representative body and membership organisation for the higher education sector. It represents the UK's universities and some higher education colleges. Its 133 members http://www.UniversitiesUK.ac.uk/members/ are the executive heads of these institutions. Universities UK works closely with policy makers and key education stakeholders to advance the interests of universities and to spread good practice throughout the higher education sector.