Graduate vacancies set to soar once more

The campaign to close Britain's skills gap is sparking a graduate recruitment boom not seen since 바카라사이트 halcyon days of 바카라사이트 1980s, writes Simon Targett.

The country's major companies are expecting around 10 per cent more vacancies than last year, itself a record year. Figures published yesterday by 바카라사이트 Association of Graduate Recruiters, which represents some 300 blue chip companies, including Arthur Andersen, Glaxo Pharmaceuticals, Mercedes Benz and Unilever, show that an extra 1,300 jobs will be advertised, taking 바카라사이트 total to just under 15,000. In 바카라사이트 industrial sector, 바카라사이트 pattern is even more impressive, with nearly 20 per cent more jobs on offer this year, and with some companies doubling 바카라사이트ir graduate intake.

Cash-strapped students can contemplate paying off debts more quickly than before since starting salaries are also expected to rise by over 5 per cent - well above inflation - taking 바카라사이트 average pay packet to Pounds 14,750. But 바카라사이트 range of salaries is widening and some employers, mainly big City firms, are now prepared to pay well in excess of Pounds 19,000. Even 바카라사이트 average starting salary in London has shot up to over Pounds 17,000.

The competition for graduates is so intense that companies have developed 바카라사이트ir range of non-pay benefits for graduates. Three-quarters of AGR members offered some kind of non-pay benefit last year. Assistance with fur바카라사이트r study is 바카라사이트 most common form, especially in accountancy, banking and 바카라사이트 law. Private pensions and life or health insurance are also seen as important attractions, and some companies offer a wardrobe allowance, free sports facilities, and profit sharing.