New university graduates have been told that job opportunities in the public sector are likely to diminish as the government begins to squeeze public spending.

Research by think tank Centre for Cities found that in 2007/08, over half of all university leavers ended up working in public-sector jobs six months after completing their studies.

However, the organisation warns that this level of graduate employment in the sector will not be sustainable in the future and people leaving university will need to increasingly look to the private sector for career options, such as banking graduate schemes.

In the current economic climate, professional qualifications and having the best possible careers advice can help candidates get the jobs they want.

Chief executive of Centre for Cities Dermot Finch said: “In a public spending squeeze UK graduates will continue to find it tough to take their first step on the employment ladder.

“The public sector will not drive graduate jobs growth over the next decade. This means more private sector job opportunities will be needed to bridge the gap.”

Last week, it emerged that some top companies are increasingly looking at information such as GCSE scores to decide between candidates for jobs.

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