Fewer university leavers went straight into employment last year, according to data published this week by the Higher Education Statistics Agency. Some 68 per cent of those who graduated last summer or completed higher degrees had found a job by January 3 this year, down 1 per cent on the previous year. A further 19 per cent were continuing their education, also down 1 per cent. The percentage assumed to be unemployed was static at 5 per cent.