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10/07/2007
Tougher Times For Graduates
A report from the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) has highlighted that graduates face an increasingly competitive jobs market as employers ramp up pre-employment psychometric testing.
While vacancies have risen by 12.5%, starting pay has not kept pace and is a below inflation 2.4% up, reaching an average earning figure of £23,500.
However, according to the AGR, recruiters are confident that they can fill posts without offering inflation beating pay rises.
Around two-thirds of recruiters are seeking a minimum qualification of a 2.1 degree, and almost two-thirds of recruiters reported that the standard of applicants this year was higher or the same as last year.
Despite the rising number of vacancies, employers remain confident that they can fill positions this year.
However, the report noted that salaries paid to graduates vary widely. Banking and financial services posts pay top wages with starting salaries averaging around £37,000, though law firms are now paying more with starting salaries of £35,700.
In London, where two-fifths or graduates are recruited, average starting salaries were noted to have fallen by around 5%, but in other regions, Scotland, Wales and some areas of England, starting salaries had increased by up to 5.6%.
More employers are now utilising additional tests to select candidates. The AGR report noted that four out of five were testing numeric abilities, almost three-quarters were examining verbal reasoning, and one third were testing personality traits.
(SP/JM)
While vacancies have risen by 12.5%, starting pay has not kept pace and is a below inflation 2.4% up, reaching an average earning figure of £23,500.
However, according to the AGR, recruiters are confident that they can fill posts without offering inflation beating pay rises.
Around two-thirds of recruiters are seeking a minimum qualification of a 2.1 degree, and almost two-thirds of recruiters reported that the standard of applicants this year was higher or the same as last year.
Despite the rising number of vacancies, employers remain confident that they can fill positions this year.
However, the report noted that salaries paid to graduates vary widely. Banking and financial services posts pay top wages with starting salaries averaging around £37,000, though law firms are now paying more with starting salaries of £35,700.
In London, where two-fifths or graduates are recruited, average starting salaries were noted to have fallen by around 5%, but in other regions, Scotland, Wales and some areas of England, starting salaries had increased by up to 5.6%.
More employers are now utilising additional tests to select candidates. The AGR report noted that four out of five were testing numeric abilities, almost three-quarters were examining verbal reasoning, and one third were testing personality traits.
(SP/JM)
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17 February 2015
Police Forces Support Improved Pay Offer
Members of Unite the union, working for police forces in England and Wales have backed an improved pay offer in a ballot, it has been announced. Civilian staff, including 999 call handlers, scene of crime officers, police community support officers and custody officers, accepted the revised pay offer of 2.2%, or £400, whichever is greater, by 92%.
Police Forces Support Improved Pay Offer
Members of Unite the union, working for police forces in England and Wales have backed an improved pay offer in a ballot, it has been announced. Civilian staff, including 999 call handlers, scene of crime officers, police community support officers and custody officers, accepted the revised pay offer of 2.2%, or £400, whichever is greater, by 92%.
30 January 2015
Union Seals Better Pay Deal For Woolwich Ferry Workers
A strike by Woolwich Ferry workers has been averted after Unite the union secured a better pay deal for the workforce, and persuaded ferry operator Briggs Marine to abandon threats to tear up long-standing agreements.
Union Seals Better Pay Deal For Woolwich Ferry Workers
A strike by Woolwich Ferry workers has been averted after Unite the union secured a better pay deal for the workforce, and persuaded ferry operator Briggs Marine to abandon threats to tear up long-standing agreements.
18 September 2014
DSG Workers To Ballot For Industrial Action Over Pay Dispute
Workers at the cash-rich Defence Support Group (DSG) are being balloted for industrial action in a dispute over pay, as the group faces being sold off to the private sector next year.
DSG Workers To Ballot For Industrial Action Over Pay Dispute
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01 October 2010
Pay Rises Before 2013 'Unrealistic' – IBEC
An influential Irish employers group has said any expectation of a pay rise by employees is "unrealistic". The employers' body IBEC made the claim after publishing the results of its survey showing the majority of companies could still not afford pay increases over the next two years.
Pay Rises Before 2013 'Unrealistic' – IBEC
An influential Irish employers group has said any expectation of a pay rise by employees is "unrealistic". The employers' body IBEC made the claim after publishing the results of its survey showing the majority of companies could still not afford pay increases over the next two years.
27 October 2005
Study finds degrees still 'worthwhile investment'
Most employed university leavers are in graduate-level jobs four years after graduation, a research study into the early careers of graduates revealed today.
Study finds degrees still 'worthwhile investment'
Most employed university leavers are in graduate-level jobs four years after graduation, a research study into the early careers of graduates revealed today.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
