GRADUATE employers expect to have more vacancies to fill this year but half of them lack confidence about filling them. Positions for graduates are expected by the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) to rise by 15 per cent, compared to just five per

GRADUATE employers expect to have more vacancies to fill this year but half of them lack confidence about filling them.

Positions for graduates are expected by the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) to rise by 15 per cent, compared to just five per cent last year.

But more than 50 per cent of the employers taking part in the study said many graduates lack the skills they need.

The AGR said that academic achievement alone is not enough for many employers.

They also want good team workers who can communicate properly and have cultural awareness,

Its winter survey indicates an average starting salary of £23,000, up 2.3 per cent, but the smallest rise for five years.