ENGINEERING and technology graduates should look to the Worcestershire area if they want a higher salary, a new report claims.

The survey, published by CSU, the Higher Education Careers Services Unit, reveals the Midlands counties offer an average £17,588 to the newly-graduated engineer compared with a national average of £16,586.

Economists and statisticians are also highly sought-after in the region with salaries starting at an average £16,893.

The report showed job vacancies in the West Midlands had risen by 12 per cent, but had fallen by 16 per cent in the east.

"The survey results paint an encouraging picture for UK graduates," said CSU's chief executive Mike Hill.

"While the number of vacancies advertised nationally have fallen by 5.8 per cent, salaries have risen by 6.5 per cent to a current average of £17,341, well above inflation and in line with the overall wage growth of the economy."