Rise in graduates at call centres - graduate jobs

Research has shown that 35% of all current call centre workers are graduates, after the recession hit the jobs market for university leavers.

A survey revealed that 40% of UK-based call centre bosses have noticed an increase in applications from graduates, especially in the past year. With companies squeezing graduate training programmes and record numbers of students having degrees, many university leavers are seeking long-term careers in the industry, while others see it as a stop-gap.

The study, which was conducted by Hays Contact Centres in conjunction with the Top 50 Call Centres for Customer Service scheme, shows the volume of graduates moving into these jobs, with starting salaries ranging from £12,000 to £18,000.

Statistics released earlier this year indicated that almost 10% of 2009's graduates were unemployed six months after leaving university, which is up from 8% in 2008.

The Association of Graduate Recruiters also revealed the intense competition for graduate recruitment at the moment, with nearly 70 university leavers chasing every available vacancy.