There’s no denying that the economic downturn is going to have an impact on the UK’s graduate recruitment market. But as his organisation turns 40 and he reflects on the industry’s profile and growth over the past four decades, Carl Gilleard, chief executive of the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR), remains optimistic.

“Some businesses are cutting back and we could expect constraint in financial services but I guarantee there will be recruitment,” he says. “There are going to be some sectors that will fare very well, such as the public sector, parts of manufacturing, and power and oil. Most businesses view their graduate recruitment as a long-term investment.”