A number of businesses are still taking on graduates, despite the rising unemployment levels and continued economic difficulties.

That is according to the Graduate Recruitment Bureau, which claimed there are still jobs available for university leavers even if they are not directly part of a graduate scheme.

Dan Hawes, co-founder of the organisation, was responding to figures published by the Liberal Democrats which indicate there has been a rise in the number of unemployed graduates.

He said: "If companies decide to cut back on their graduate recruitment, they are missing out on fresh talent – new blood.

"It is a very short-sighted way to look at things, but only a few companies have actually cut back."

The Liberal Democrat figures showed unemployment for 18 to 24-year-olds has increased by 5.8 per cent to 18 per cent this year.

As a proportion of the unemployed people in this age bracket, graduates made up 20.3 per cent this year, a significant increase from 3.5 per cent last year.

"So you’re a student or graduate who wants a top paying career in Banking & Finance?”

If yes, watch the video on the right now to gain instant access to everything you need to secure a top paid career / internship in banking & finance (Valued at £197)…