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The latest survey from the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) gives strong signals that graduate job prospects in the UK are improving.

The AGR survey, which canvassed the opinions of 222 graduate employers, suggests that the number of graduate jobs vacancies available this year will be up almost 9 per cent on last year.

This means that students due to graduate this year will see the number of graduate vacancies on offer on an upward curve for the first time since the UK recession began. Many of the new graduate vacancies were created towards the end of last year, but the survey indicates that a further 4 per cent of new positions could be made this year.

The chief executive of the AGR, Carl Gilleard, said, “It is heartening to see that after so many months of misery for graduates, the job market is finally picking up”

The AGR tempered the news, however, saying that there will still be stiff competition for all of the graduate jobs up for grabs in 2011 simply because of the number of graduates who are still seeking employment. Many employers are still receiving record numbers of applications for the graduate vacancies they are advertising.

The survey also highlighted the fact that because the graduate job market now favours the employer, salaries for entry-level graduate jobs have stayed at a stubborn average of £25,000 for the last three years. Some sectors perform better than others with respect to salaries though – a new graduate who successfully secures a graduate job in investment banking can still expect to start out on over £40,000.

Speaking of the latest AGR survey, David Willetts, Minister of State for Universities and Science, said: “Investment in growing the economy and creating a highly skilled workforce is critical and graduates have a vital part to play. A degree remains a good investment in the long term and is one of the best pathways to achieving a good job and rewarding career.”

No matter which part of the UK you are looking to find rewarding graduate vacancies, you should start out your search with employment4students. We have graduate positions located in most major towns and cities of the United Kingdom. Narrow your search down now by sector and location on our Graduate Jobs search page.