Fifth of graduates work part-time as full-time jobs decline

Some 22pc of graduates from the class of 2010/11 were in part-time work six months after graduating, as they entered one of the worst jobs markets young people have seen in a generation.

Almost one in 10 graduates, 9pc, was unemployed, figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency revealed on Thursday. Graduate unemployment is marginally down on the previous year but the figures suggest this is because more students have been forced to accept part-time roles.

The number of graduates entering part-time jobs reached 35,365, out of a total 158,440 graduates in employment, the figures showed. The year before, 20.8pc of graduates were working part-time, down from 21.3pc in 2008/9.

The number of graduates classed as self-employed after university also rose to 5pc in 2010/11, up from 4.4pc the year before. However, industry experts have pointed out that not all those who set up their own businesses do so out of choice, with many doing "odd jobs" like cleaning or decorating to pay the bills.

Those in voluntary or unpaid work also rose by 0.8pc to 4pc over the period in a further sign of the tough UK labour market.

The greatest proportion of graduates (45pc) entered managerial or professional jobs, such as working for law firms or accountants. But those in part-time work were more likely to be in customer services or sales roles, the figures showed.

Of the 224,045 graduates with first, full-time degrees, 158,440 were in employment, although 18,355 of these were combining work with further study.

Some 16pc of graduates went on to do more study, with 9pc unemployed six months after graduating, the figures showed.

Of those graduates who entered employment (including those both working and studying), 69pc were employed in full-time paid work, 22pc were employed part-time, 5pc were self-employed or freelance and 4pc were in voluntary or unpaid work.

In early July, a report from the Association of Graduate Recruiters showed more employers were demanding graduates had first-class degrees to secure an interview, due to the level of competition when applying for graduate jobs.

A combination of too many students, grade inflation and a stalled economy have created a toxic combination for any new graduate seeking paid employment, experts said.

Source: Louisa Peacock, Telegraph.co.uk, Thursday 26th July 2012