Companies 'should invest in graduates'

Those companies with strategies for the long-term should ensure that they invest in graduates, it has been claimed.

According to Paul Farrer, the chairman of the PFJ, during more difficult times, it makes sense for companies to invest in graduate recruitment.

However, Mr Farrer noted that it is historically the case, that when a recession looms, companies introduce restrictions on graduate trainee schemes.

"I am a great advocate that any company with a long-term strategy … is exactly the sort of company that should invest in graduate schemes when times get tough because then you are going to have very loyal workforce coming through when things get better," said Mr Farrer.

In related news, a November 2007 survey by the Higher Education Statistics Agency has found that a total of six per cent of graduates in the UK were only employed on a part-time basis.