Entry-level jobs have reduced by almost a quarter – leaving students and graduates uncertain of their futures, new research has found.

A survey of over 170 employers by the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) found that employers have cut entry-level jobs by 23 per cent due to coronavirus pandemic. 

The research found that employers are hiring 32 per cent fewer people onto apprentice or school leaver programmes this year, and graduate jobs have been cut by 12 per cent. It has estimated that the number of internships and placements available will fall by 40 per cent. 

More: Youth unemployment could rise by 600,000

Background: Experts to tackle post-coronavirus youth employment

News: More than half of employers stop recruiting apprentices

Around 14 per cent of the survey respondents – of which there were 179 – said that they could not provide clarity about their recruitment numbers for this year. 

'Switching off is the worst thing students can do'

ISE chief executive Stephen Isherwood said that there was no denying that it would be a challenging year for young people entering the labour market – but that “switching off” was the worst thing students could do. 

He said: “Some employers are backing graduates over non-graduates and others have found it too difficult to start new apprenticeships, which means that school leavers will be among the hardest hit by the crisis. 

“This doesn’t mean that students should assume the jobs market is dead. Many employers are recruiting and history tells us that we still see unfilled vacancies in a downturn. Switching off is the worst thing students can do. It will only hinder their prospects further when the upturn comes and the jobs market recovers.

“What students can do now much depends on individual circumstances. If you can volunteer or get part-time work, then that’s great. Use online support from careers websites and prepare for virtual interviews and assessment centres. Whatever you do, be proactive. Have a story to tell when you do get that first interview.”

The research also found that one in seven employers have already withdrawn offers and a further 14 per cent may renege in the coming weeks. Almost a third of employers (31 per cent) are delaying start dates and more than half are planning to induct new starters remotely.

Health and pharmaceuticals was the only sector set to increase entry-level recruitment this year while the built environment, finance, professional services, energy and engineering were making the largest reductions in hiring.