GRADUATES in Worcestershire lag behind their peers across the country when it comes to starting salaries.
According to the latest Graduate Market Trends Salary and Vacancy Survey, published by the Higher Education Careers Services Unit (CSU), starting salaries for graduates in the region now average £16,817 - an increase of just one per cent over the previous year.
Top of the graduate salary league table was Scotland on £19,668.
Across the country, starting salaries and vacancies were continuing to rise despite talk of recession and economic slowdown.
The average starting salary nationally was £17,786, an increase of 2.5 per cent in the year to May 2001.
Graduate vacancies in the Worcestershire area had increased by 22 per cent over the same period, compared to a national rise of 23 per cent.
The regional increase was attributed to more opportunities in finance and management consultancy. The growth in these occupations, along with IT, was also driving the national increase.
According to CSU, competition for graduates was now so fierce that, for many employers, any degree would suffice, regardless of subject.
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