Graduate salaries are rising

The average advertised salary for graduates in the UK rose 7% on the year, to £26,076 last month, according to Adzuna, the job advertising website. Job vacancies for graduates rose by 59% over the same period, to 14,690 in May.

Companies are opening new positions and increasing the advertised salaries in an attempt to replenish their workforces with young workers straight out of university. The data shows that the legal and banking sectors are offering the highest starting rates, with US employers leading the way. JPMorgan Chase had a base salary of up to £70,000, with Barclays is offering £50,000. In the retail sector, Lidl’s supply chain graduate programme has a starting salary of £37,000. Aldi offers £44,000.