Over the past ten years, it has become more and more difficult for graduates of Britain’s universities to find good jobs. And this year looks set to be the most difficult yet. A poll of employers has revealed that there are 70 applications for every job. In one sector, the figure rises to over 200 applications for each job. Leading firms in law, IT and investment banking have all cut graduate jobs this year.

Employers are also becoming more demanding because they now have so much choice of graduates. The vast majority of employers are now insisting on a 2.1 degree, making it more difficult for those with lower grades to step on the job ladder.

Carl Gilleard, the chief executive of the Association of Graduate Recruiters, told the British press that graduates have never had it so difficult. ‘They need both short-term and long-term career goals because you’re graduating in a very tough climate. It doesn’t mean you should be put off applying for the profession of your choice,’ he says. ‘Any employment is better than no employment [even] if it’s about flipping burgers or stacking shelves rather than staying at home feeling sorry for yourself.’