Small business recruitment scheme launched

A new scheme has been launched by the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) aimed at helping small businesses to recruit and develop graduate employees.

AGR launched the scheme after figures revealed that an increasing number of university-leavers are opting to work for small companies, according to Onrec.com.

Small businesses wanting to take part in the scheme must do so by signing up online.

Carl Gilleard, chief executive of the organisation, said: "Not all graduates take up positions with large multinational organisations when they leave university and smaller companies also need to compete to recruit and retain the best talent."

Mr Gilleard suggested that the scheme would allow small businesses to "tap into" the UK's biggest network of recruitment professionals.

Founded in 1968, the AGR currently represents around 600 organisations across the country.