One in six drops out of graduate work schemes

Around one in six university leavers drops out of graduate work programmes, research suggests.

Employers are finding it increasingly difficult to hold on to graduates, with rising numbers leaving before the end of their scheme.

The Association of Graduate Recruiters survey was based on responses from 174 firms, representing 18,227 graduates. Last year, firms typically lost 16 per cent of graduates during their programme, compared with nine per cent in 2015. Almost half (46 per cent) had left after five years, compared with 39 per cent in 2015.