Going gets tough for graduates

Two out of three of last year's graduates failed to find a job in their chosen career after encountering "extreme competition" for work. A survey conducted by recruitment specialists Reed Graduates also found that most felt insecure in their first job and believed that a degree did not guarantee employment.

Tom Lovell, manager of Reed Graduates, said that most of the1,100 respondents - some of them final year students and others recent graduates - were "excited" by their prospects as the country came out of recession, but they were realistic to be concerend about insecurity, the degree of competition and the need to prove themselves.