GRADUATE PROSPECTS CONTINUE TO RISE

• Nearly three in four graduates are (72%) securing a job in their dream profession
• Close to half (45%) secure a job within eight weeks of finishing university

It’s good news for graduates this year, as the majority (72%) are managing to secure a job in their preferred profession, according to the Allianz Insurance Graduate Employment Index.

In its third year of polling businesses and graduates alike, the Allianz Insurance Graduate Employment Index has found that close to half (45%) of UK graduates are managing to secure employment within the first two months of finishing their degree.

It’s an exciting time for businesses too - well over half (62%) plan to hire more graduates this year as they agree that a graduate workforce is quick to learn (26%), enthusiastic about the industry and their job (21%) and full of bright ideas (16%). In fact, the majority of businesses (88%) stated that hiring graduates has a positive impact on their company.

Anthony Takyi, Graduate HR Manager at Allianz Insurance, said, “Our latest Graduate Employment Index has found that businesses will on average employ 43 graduates this year – a 23% increase from 2014 and an indication that the market is on the move. It’s clear that businesses are recognising the enthusiasm and fresh perspectives that graduates can bring to the workplace and are looking to harness and nurture this talent for mutual success in the long-term.”

When it comes to graduates getting their name on the payroll, they can expect an average salary of nearly £21,300. This has risen by more than £300 since last year, according to the research out today from Allianz Insurance.

The vast majority of graduates already have their eyes set on progressing their career. In fact, this year’s Allianz Insurance Graduate Employment Index signals that the latest round of graduates are the most ambitious yet - 68% of those polled stated progression is of high, or very high, importance to them compared to 48% last year.

Students and university leavers can visit http://www.allianz.co.uk/graduates for details of the Allianz Insurance schemes and placements available.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

This survey was carried out on behalf of Allianz Insurance by OnePoll Research, who interviewed1,000 business leaders who have employed graduates within the last three years and 1,000 employees who have graduated over the last three years between 20/05/2015 - 01/06/2015.

For further information contact:

Amy Yorston, Media Relations Officer, Allianz Insurance plc

Tel: 01483 552632

Mobile: 07794266474

Email: amy.yorston@allianz.co.uk