Graduates will compromise on pay but not training

Graduates are prepared to move around the country and accept lower salaries in the current climate but won't compromise in other areas.

A survey by TMP Worldwide found that 68% would take a lower starting rate and 66% were prepared to move to where the jobs were.

But 71% said they would not work for a company that would not offer them proper training and 52% would only take a job that offered a decent work/life balance.

"In a strong economy, salary and location tend to be key differentiators in employer offerings to graduates," said Neil Harrison, director of research and planning at TMP Worldwide.

"But with the recession graduates are more focused on investment in their own development and will want employers to demonstrate their commitment to training and development."