Graduates 'opting for retail jobs'

A growing number of graduate job seekers are turning to the retail sector, it has been suggested.

Speaking to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development's People Management magazine, graduate recruitment manager at Sainsbury's Jo Gridley explained that the industry is currently "performing really well".

"Retail is becoming a much more attractive sector to work in and students see lots of opportunities to progress," she explained.

Ms Gridley said that those seeking graduate jobs are choosing retail over other industries that are not performing as well at present, adding that this trend means the supermarket chain is currently "getting the best graduates we've ever had".

Sainsbury's has seen a sharp increase in applications for graduate positions, she told the news source, noting that the number of students registering interest has risen from 250 last year to over 1,300 in 2009.

Last week, Aldi announced it is extending its graduate jobs scheme, creating a further 90 to 120 positions at its stores around the UK.