A third of British graduates are considering moving abroad to beat the employment blues.

Onrec reports a survey by Studentgems.com found the struggle to find work in the UK was the main reason for leaving the UK in search of better career prospects.

The website quizzed more than 1,000 graduates and final year students to find out their post-degree intentions.

One in five finalists said they were considering a Masters degree to complement their education while two thirds said they would try to secure employment before looking at further studies. The remainder said they were looking into all options, including taking a gap year.

The average graduate had applied for between 20 and 30 jobs with just five percent resulting in an interview. It was claimed just 40 percent of employers got back in touch with interviewees to inform them of whether they had been unsuccessful post-interview.

Sue Harrison of Studentgems.com said: "Even if only a quarter of these students looking at jobs abroad left for greener pastures, the loss to the British job market would be felt for years to come.

"Graduates are becoming more and more likely to stray and the reason is lack of success whilst job hunting. I’d advise students to get as much relevant experience as they can whilst at university."