Universities need to build stronger links with local employers to increase the skills of future workers according to a report from the University of Hertfordshire’s Graduate Forum.

The study found that 31% of employers admit they do not offer any work experience, yet 46% said relevant work experience is one of the most important things when looking for potential new recruits.

It found that 31% of businesses have a good relationship with their local university and 29% claim to have no relationship at all with local higher education institutions.

Richard Tunnicliffe, member of the Graduate Forum and regional director of the Confederation of British Industry, says: “In today’s fast moving world it is often too easy for employers to overlook the importance of work experience not only to the placement student themselves, but also to the organisation. Having a fresh set of eyes looking at a problem with a different perspective can often be what it needs to be solved.”

However 46% of employers agree that their business should have a stronger relationship with their local university, but only a quarter said they are actively planning to forge better links over the next few years.