A recent study has revealed that the number of graduate-level job openings available throughout the United Kingdom has recently returned to pre-recession levels, particularly in industries such as consultancy, engineering and media.<br><br>
According to the High Fliers Research survey, which is based on responses from 100 leading graduate employers, one-third of graduate employers have increased their recruitment in the last six months and have taken on more university graduates than originally anticipated.<br><br>
In 2014 alone the number of graduated vacancies has risen by more than 11.6%, bringing the graduate jobs market back to the peak it saw prior to the recession. This growth follows a disappointing and unprecedented 23.3% drop between 2007 and 2009.<br><br>
The report also shows that the median starting salary for 2014 graduates has increased to £29,500, which represents the first increase in four years.<br><br>
High Fliers Research managing director Martin Birchall said that it is “great news for the 'class of 2014' leaving university this summer that Britain’s top employers have stepped up their graduate recruitment so significantly this year.”<br><br>
Over half the recruiters that participated in the survey suggested, however, that graduates without previous work experience may be less successful during the selection process.<br><br>
The study also indicates that the proportion of graduates recruited directly from employers' work experience programmes has increased to 37% this year from 26% just four years ago; despite this, figures show that there is competition for jobs, with 39 applicants on average for every graduate job vacancy.<br><br>
Almost 70% of the employers surveyed have also indicated that they plan to hire a similar number of graduates – or increase the number – in 2015.