There are further signs this year's graduates will have an easier time finding jobs than last year's finalists.

The number of jobs available increased for the sixth month running in January, according to the Recruitment & Employment Confederation's Report on Jobs.

Compiled with Milkround.com employer KPMG, the report revealed growth of permanent placements eased from December’s peak but remained strong.

Temporary placements and contract jobs were also on the rise.

Kevin Green, of the REC said: "The growth in people getting permanent jobs eased in January but still remained positive overall. The number of vacancies reported by recruitment businesses also accelerated at the sharpest rate since July 2007, suggesting that we are now on the long road to recovery.

"The labour market is out of intensive care but it is still in a fragile state. While employers are hiring more now than at any other time in the last year, the recovery is tentative and must not be put at risk by taxes or regulatory changes."

Bernard Brown of KPMG said: "The UK jobs market is continuing its journey back to health. Placements of permanent and temporary jobs have been rising again in January although at a slower pace than a month before, a reminder that the road to recovery will be bumpy."