The forecasted rise in graduate salaries is set to be
surpassed, according to the latest research from the Association of Graduate
Recruiters (AGR).
AGR’s bi-annual survey, summer edition, of its members
revealed that there is set to be a 6% increase in graduate salaries compared to
figures collated in winter. This will see a 6% rise in the average graduate
salary from £26,000 to £26,500, beating the predicted rise of 4%.
The current figure for 2012 provides a welcome boost to
graduate salary levels, which have seen stagnant growth for three consecutive
years in the survey.
Degree-holders also face less competition for graduate
jobs London and in other areas with the number of candidates applying for
each vacancy falling from 83 in 2011 to 73 this year.
The fall in graduate vacancies has also dipped below
estimates. This is expected to fall by 0.6% as opposed to the figure of 1.2% predicted
last year.
Commenting on the figures, Carl Gilleard, AGR chief
executive, said: "It is reassuring to see that employers are investing in
graduate talent. The significant rise in starting salaries to £26,500 will be
very good news indeed to students, who are bracing themselves to take on higher
levels of debt as tuition fees rise to £9,000 from September this year.
“With the continuing uncertainty in the eurozone, it is
encouraging to see that employers are still talent-planning for the future and
that the number of graduate vacancies is remaining constant."
The survey also highlighted the fact that a 2:1 degree is a
minimum requirement for 76% of graduate employers, up from a figure of 73% last
year.
215 UK members, providing an estimated 21,194 graduate
vacancies in 2012, over 20 sectors took part in the AGR survey.
What starting salary would you expect for graduate trainee
jobs starting this year? Does the level predicted by the AGR meet your
expectations?