Rise in graduates heading for jobs...

Graduate unemployment has fallen again, according to figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

Of 264,300 students who graduated in 1997, 62 per cent reported their first destination as employment, compared with 61 per cent in 1996. A further 19 per cent chose to continue studies, while 6 per cent were assumed to be unemployed, compared with 7 per cent in 1996. Lifelong learning minister Kim Howells welcomed the figures but said more must be done to ensure graduates are prepared for work.