Latest news: Private sector firms look to graduates

Job prospects for graduates seeking work in the private sector look set to improve, new statistics suggest. 01/11/2012

According to the latest Confederation of British Industry (CBI) /Harvey Nash  employment trends survey, 16% more businesses in the private sector are planning to increase their graduate hiring over the next six months rather than decrease it.

This is a rise of 11% since the last survey, which was conducted in May.

The report read, 'While competition among graduates for their first jobs remains tough, these results should provide encouragement for recent graduates that firms are looking to expand their pools of future talent.'

In addition, the study found 35% of organisations in the sector expect their whole workforce to grow over the next 12 months, compared to 15% who think it will shrink.

The survey went on to reveal that it is actually the smallest businesses that have the biggest expectations for future recruitment - 41% of firms with fewer than 50 employees predict their staff levels will rise in the next year.

As for the kind of recruits sought after by companies, the report stated the main focus is on 'professional, technical and managerial roles, highlighting the growing demand for higher-skilled individuals and the shift to a knowledge economy'.