STEM graduates in high demand

Science, technology, engineering and maths graduates are in high demand among employers - and many companies prepared to pay a premium for their know-how.

Research from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) shows 43 per cent of businesses are currently experiencing difficulties in recruiting staff with a background in the so-called STEM subjects.

Another 53 per cent expect the talent pool to shrink in the year ahead.

Some companies are trying to tackle the problem themselves, with 31 per cent offering STEM-related work experience.

The good news for jobseekers is that many businesses are willing to pay handsomely for STEM skills. Some 40 per cent of businesses in science and IT and another 33 per cent in the construction industry said graduates from this group earn more over the course of their careers than other degree holders.

To address the current shortage of STEM graduates, 62 per cent of businesses said the Government should make the teaching of science and maths a top priority in secondary schools and colleges.