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Graduates 'good for small firms'

Graduates can help small firms beat the effects of the economic downturn now the recession sis coming to an end, it has been claimed.

Prue Watson, spokesperson for the Federation of Small Businesses, said the skills graduates can bring to a business should not be underestimated, as they can provide a fresh way of thinking.

She commented: "Small firms recognise the skills that graduates bring to business and the excellent working environment small firms give the graduate."

Ms Watson added small companies know that taking on graduates offers excellent opportunities to train quality staff for less.

According to the Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion, the jobseeker's allowance claimant count fell in December for the first time since February 2008, while vacancies showed signs of growth, although from a low level.

In addition, youth long-term unemployment fell from November's published figure of 325,000 and is now 317,000.