More than a third of graduate recruiters (40%) say current university leavers do not have the work-based skills to secure an entry-level graduate role at their firm, according to new research from totaljobs.com.

More than eight in 10 (83%) graduate recruiters believe closer collaboration between businesses and universities is required to fill the skills gap for university leavers today.

Meanwhile, 82% think universities need to take responsibility for ensuring graduates are work ready, while 72% say it is down to graduates themselves.

Mike Fetters, graduate director at totaljobs.com, says: “We have a real chance to champion a collaboration between universities and employers which I believe can really make a difference. With just over half of graduates utilising their careers service and only 34% of those finding it useful, there is an opportunity for employers to work with careers services to better the offering to final-year students.”