Jobs blow for graduates as companies refuse to hire

Recent graduates were dealt another blow today as a poll revealed that nearly 90% of small and medium-size businesses will not be hiring them this year. A survey of 502 companies by consultants the Centre for Enterprise found that 88% were not planning to recruit graduates during the recession. Even more – 89% – have not recruited a recent graduate in the last year. The results inflict another wound on recent graduates who have fared the worst in the recession. Small and medium size businesses account for 99% of all companies in the UK and three-fifths of private sector employment. They typically employ between two and 249 staff... read more

The Guardian, January 10