Employment prospects for banking graduate job seekers may improve if they can add another language to their CV, it has been reported.

Close to 300 of Britain’s top employers, including HSBC, Arsenal FC, IBM and British Airways, have signed up to a campaign to help young people boost their employability through foreign language skills.

According to a recent poll of Britain’s bosses, languages come second only to IT in a list of desirable skills for job candidates.

The poll was commissioned by CILT, the National Centre for Languages, in partnership with the Try Life in Another Language campaign.

Nearly half of recruiters (43 per cent) believe that speaking a second language gives a candidate the ‘X-factor’ when applying for a job, according to the report.

Teresa Tinsley, director of communications at CILT, said having a second language is becoming increasingly important.

"Languages have as much importance as maths, science and ICT. It’s about understanding the wider world around you and being a rounded person as well," she said.

Those who do not know a second language would "close down" their opportunities, added Ms Tinsley.

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