Graduates 'need better skills for workplace'

Graduates are being let down by universities which are not equipping them with the skills needed for the workplace, it has been claimed.

Talent Q believes that many graduates have poor communication skills, suffer from a lack of self-esteem and are unable to accept criticism.

Graduates also have an unreasonably high expectation of their prospective roles and employers, the people assessment company said.

Alan Bourne, Talent Q director, said: "Our research illustrates that universities could be doing a lot more to help graduates prepare for the world of work.

"They enter the workplace with high expectations of their employer, but bring very few of the most essential soft skills."

Employers are advised to implement training programmes to help graduates fulfil their potential.

Talent Q provides training, consulting and online assessment solutions - verified by the British Psychological Society - to help businesses make the right recruitment decisions.