TODAY’S Budget does not address graduate worklessness, Martin Edmondson, chief executive at Graduates Yorkshire has said.

He said that local and national graduate internships schemes, which are drawing to a close over the next few months, have not been offered any further Government support at this stage.

He said the Government’s main focus was understandably the 14-19 bracket, which is the worst hit.

“However there remains a significant challenge around graduate unemployment and underemployment that is not addressed by these changes,” he said.

“More than ever it is vital that graduates increase their employability prospects with real life work experience. Internships help them stand out against other candidates. Schemes like these are essential in helping graduates bridge the gap between university and unemployment. They not only create graduate jobs, but by driving underemployed graduates into quality, paid internships, work opportunities are created for other young people.”