Research shows education is still important to recruiters

The new CIPD/KPMG Labour Market Outlook report illustrates that graduate recruiters and other companies are still searching for highly educated workers, despite the economic situation.

This is according to the CIPD's Public Policy Advisor Gerwyn Davies, who said figures showing that almost 50% of employers are still looking to hire graduates reveal 'education stands you in good stead'.

'This is a tough jobs market, but our research shows that employers are still on the lookout for the brightest and best,' he remarked.

Graduates were more popular as recruits than 18 and 16-year-olds, who were being targeted by one in three and one in six companies respectively.

A total of 500 businesses were surveyed for the report, which the CIPD states highlights 'a more optimistic' situation in the jobs market for those who have been educated at university.

Recently, the CIPD called on the government to do more to help young people get into work.