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EMBARGOED UNTIL 00:01 ON TUESDAY 18TH JANUARY 2011 Commenting on the High Fliers annual report on the graduate recruitment market in 2011, Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts said:

"Whilst we welcome signs of an improvement, the job market remains competitive for new graduates, as it does for everyone, and graduates need to work hard to maximise their chances of success. However, a degree remains a good investment in the long term."

"Internships are an important way of young people getting into the professional jobs market. This is a route being followed by increasing numbers of graduates and - as part of our programme to get Britain working - we continue to encourage employers to offer work experience and internships to help graduates develop valuable skills and boost their employment chances."

"Over 28,000 internships vacancies have been advertised by employers on the Graduate Talent Pool website since its launch in July 2009. The Graduate Talent Pool is a free website which brings together employers and graduates. There are currently nearly 1,855 internships available, over half of which are paid."

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