Many graduates believe that unpaid and minimum-wage work might help them stand out in the severe job market.
According to research that was carried out by studentbeans.com, almost all students subconsciously accept the idea that they are going to be unpaid or take minimum wage position in order to secure a job. From the survey, half of university students are willing to work for free in their first career, while 40% said they will take the minimum wage position.
News of increasing unemployment among graduates is followed by these findings.
Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) have released figures today that more than 20,000 graduation students, which is around 10%, were out of work after six months since last summer. This figure has almost doubled in the past four years.
Government actions have been called for by the NUS to prevent exploitation of graduates, saying pressure will be put on those from a poor family if they are unpaid. NUS vice-president, Danielle Grufferty, says that law must protect graduates entering a hostile job market. “Unpaid labour is illegal and the government must enforce minimum wage legislation.”
“Working for free is only a possibility for those who have the means to support themselves financially, with no guarantee of a job or even an experience that will help them in future.”
Ben Lyons, from Intern Aware, also added that this new coming up phenomenon of unpaid work should not be carried out. “As well as pricing out smart, hardworking young people, it’s bad for businesses who lose out on talent, and risk the consequences of being in breach of employment law.”
According to a survey by the Association of Graduate Recruiters, the number of graduate vacancies declined 1.7% last year. It is predicted that the average starting salary for employed graduates who work in promising companies will go up by 4% to £26,000 this year.
However, most students’ expectations stays prudent, with more than half predicting that less than £20,000 will be earned in their first graduate position.
Carl Gilleard, chief executive of Association of Graduate Recruiters, said that doing an internship will help graduates gain more experience and help them stand among other applicants, but it is not the only option. “You don’t necessarily need to take on a full three-month internship. All workplace experience is useful in terms of boosting your confidence, helping you decide on your career objectives, and helping you gain transferable skills.
Employers and recruiters today are looking for ‘soft skills’ such as communication skills, the ability to work in a team and good time management.”
Source: The Guardian
