BT calls time on graduate scheme - graduate jobs

Job-hunting graduates have been rocked by BT's announcement that it is suspending its graduate recruitment scheme.

The recession was blamed for the move to axe the scheme - which BT said it had no plans to reintroduce.

However, the 2009 graduate intake will remain, and BT has pledged to support the new starters, who take up thier roles in September, through their programmes.

Last year, 4,800 graduates applied for 130 jobs with the telecoms firm - up from 3,800 two years ago.

The move comes at a time when figures show there are nearly one million young people looking for work in a recession-battered job market.

BT recently reported earnings were down £1.37 billion in the quarter to June 30 - a drop of 3%.

BT said: "We will continue to promote and raise the profile of the BT employer brand on campus, positioning BT as a key employer who actively helps to nurture and develop the employability skills of graduate talent through aligned activities on campus such as skills sessions and guest lectures."