Young people blame Government and employers for lack of graduate prospects

More than half (59%) blame employers' short-termism in recruitment strategies for lack of graduate prospects in the recession.

The report from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) finds 67% blame lack of Government funding - this figure rises to 74% in the North East and South West.

Sonja Stockton, head of recruitment at PwC, said: "The only way we can ensure the long- term skills of this generation is to get students, employers and Government agencies working together.

"Employers need to sustain their recruitment programmes where possible, or be transparent about their recruitment plans when they are dealing with jobseekers."