Research
reveals that the public sector is now the most popular choice of employer for
graduates — ahead of blue-chip companies.
Almost
one-third (32 per cent) of the 1,000 graduates surveyed for recruitment company
Graduate Prospects said they would like to work for a public sector
organisation.
●
The first-choice employer for 31 per cent would be a major blue-chip company
●
27 per cent would opt for a small or medium-sized enterprise
●
6 per cent would prefer to work for a charity
Graduate
Prospects chief executive Mike Hill said: “The public sector has a great deal
to offer young graduates looking for their first job – not least working
conditions that often mean a better balanced life. This can include flexible
hours, home-working, job-share and better holidays. In addition, many graduates
want to feel they are doing something good for society in their work.
"Research
by the Audit Commission found that wanting to have a positive effect on
people’s lives was the main reason why staff chose the public sector.”
The
study, conducted by Mori, also reveals that work-life balance rates as the
third most important factor (32 per cent) when choosing a job.
The
most important factors are salary and training & development opportunities
(45 per cent each).
Benefits
such as private healthcare were considered most important by just six per cent
and early managerial responsibilities by just five per cent of those surveyed.
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