One in three graduates 'forced to claim benefits'

More than a third of graduates have claimed Jobseeker's Allowance in the past year, research showed today.

A survey of 500 recent graduates found that only 6% had a graduate-level job, with two-thirds taking any work to pay bills. Thirty-six per cent claimed Jobseeker's Allowance, of which half claimed for longer than six months.

The study, by recruitment website totaljobs.com, found a "stark" contrast between job expectations before and after graduation.

It said the "shocking" results came on the back of official figures which showed that nearly 150,000 graduates removed themselves from the labour market by undertaking further study to delay.

Mike Fetters, graduate sales director at totaljobs.com, said: "Having invested heavily in securing a decent degree, it is not unreasonable for graduates to feel they deserve a job that matches their career expectations.

"Unfortunately competition for professional roles has never been fiercer, and students who have failed to prepare carefully through extra-curricular activities and early engagement with employers are simply not making the grade."

The average graduate salary is £25,000, but for those still at university a "worrying" one in 10 believed they will earn more than £35,000 in their first job, said the report.

A Department for Work and Pensions spokeswoman said: "Over half of all young people claiming JSA come off within three months - and all the indications are that graduates come off even sooner.

"Graduates have benefited from the additional support we offer all young people including an enhanced support from day one and a guaranteed job or work experience after six months.

"We have helped thousands of graduates to find opportunities through our Backing Young Britain scheme, including thousands of internships through the Graduate Talent Pool matching service."