More jobs for this year's graduates

More than 1,000 extra graduate jobs will be available for the "class of 2012" leaving university this summer. A survey by a graduate careers researcher shows that even a public sector beset by spending squeezes will recruit 500 extra graduates, an increase of 20 per cent on last year.

The rise is attributed mainly to a huge expansion of the TeachFirst scheme, which for the first time will be recruiting 1,000 graduates to work in inner-city schools. It will be the third biggest recruiter of graduates this year behind PwC and Deloitte. The Civil Service fast-track career progress scheme is also increasing its recruitment.

But High Flier Research, which compiled the analysis, warns there will be 50,000 more graduates seeking jobs this summer, because of an increase in student numbers and the number of students from last year still seeking employment.