Graduates taking the doorstep route - graduate jobs

As graduate unemployment is set to soar to unprecedented levels this year, many frustrated students have resorted to door-to-door selling jobs instead of pursuing a career, a study has revealed.

Some direct selling companies have seen a 200% rise in applications, with cosmetics giant Avon seizing the opportunity with a major new drive for recruits.

Anna Segatti, president of Avon UK, said: "There is a huge opportunity to promote direct selling to graduates and other people during the economic downturn. Self-employment is a really viable earnings option for many people."

A huge 188% rise in applications from students and graduates has been reported by Kleeneze, whose agents take catalogues door to door and pick-up orders.

Meanwhile, ministers have been asked by the Federation of Small Businesses to create 5,000 new internship placements. It found one in five small firms would take on a graduate.

Federation chairman John Wright said: "In a graduate internship scheme graduates can offer key skills to help businesses move forward, while at the same time ensuring they are learning new skills and not unemployed at a crucial time in their careers."