Graduate job opportunities 'rising'

More jobs will become available for graduates this year, research firm Income Data Services (IDS) has forecast.

IDS said its survey of employers suggested an 8% increase in the number of graduate roles being advertised, after a rise of just 0.1% last year.

The retail sector was the most optimistic, saying it expects to increase graduate recruitment by 30%.

But starting salaries are likely to be frozen, the research found.

More than 70% of employers said they plan to freeze wages for graduates, due to worries about the economy.

Median starting salaries are therefore likely to stay at £25,500 for those taking jobs after university, said IDS.

Those joining the legal profession can expect to start on £36,500, while those joining financial services can expect to earn £29,250.