A survey of 100 large companies has suggested that they are planning to increase their recruitment of graduates by approximately 9%, or 1,400 more jobs. This is the highest increase in entry-level recruitment in four years.

According to the study, supermarket chain Aldi offers one of the highest starting salaries with rates of approximately £41,000, above the average starting salary of £29,000.

Martin Birchall, managing director of High Fliers Research which commissioned the study, said: "This very significant increase in graduate vacancies at Britain's top employers means the job prospects for graduates leaving university this year are the best they've been since the start of the recession seven years ago."