A survey of the country’s 100 top graduate employers by High Fliers Research indicates they will recruit 8.7 per cent more graduates than last year – in total, around 1,400 extra people.
That will take the number of graduate vacancies back to where it was in 2007, the year before the recession prompted firms to slash their annual recruitment of university leavers.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser, has welcomed these numbers as proof of increasing business confidence and economic growth facilitated by Westminster reforms.
48% of Graduate employers have entry level jobs in Scotland, higher than Wales and Northern Ireland but still behind London.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Since the recession the employment picture for university graduates has been bleak but this latest survey illustrates improving circumstances.
“High school leavers in Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Fife and Clackmannanshire will welcome this news.
“I would like to see the region attract more graduates and retain the skilled youngsters who are educated at both St Andrews and Stirling University, this will prove key for continuing economic growth.
“Every child entering education should aspire to attain the highest qualifications possible and for those who go on to university there is now a tangible reward at the end of the tunnel.”