Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates earn 4.47% more than those leaving university with a first in other subjects, according to a report from the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Additionally, professionals working within science, technology and engineering occupations earn on average 19% more than the rest of the professional labour market.

Maintaining and increasing the number of students of STEM subjects was seen as a “pressing policy priority” by the report.

IT services provider FDM Group’s recruitment manager, Madeleine Field, says: “The maintenance of a steady flow of graduates into the IT industry is crucial to the success of the sector and consequently the economy as a whole.

“As a company that has been training and recruiting graduates for over 21 years, we understand how beneficial their contribution can be.”