Employers have raised concerns over the shortage of skills and the lack of practical experience gained at university by science graduate recruits.
The Science Recruitment Group said there is a widening skills gap between employers needs and the education system.
It is calling for collective action from employers to promote and foster careers in modern science, and plans to offer bursaries aimed at funding more equipment for science departments.
Recruiters in the science industry said they are worried that graduates lack hands-on experience and often choose to work in IT because of better pay.
Although the SRG survey revealed only 25 per cent of graduate employers think there is a problem with sector skills shortages, many of them changed their minds in follow-up interviews.
SRG development director Mike Dyson said, “The science community is conservative in voicing opinions and we suggest the 25 per cent recorded is only the tip of the iceberg.”
Sign up to our weekly round-up of HR news and guidance
Receive the Personnel Today Direct e-newsletter every Wednesday
The survey showed 25 per cent of employers in the science industry were looking to increase staffing levels between January and June 2000.
