The type of employment experienced by new graduates during the recession will be unlike that of their predecessors, it has been claimed.
Research by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and Harvey Nash found the financial downturn has led to businesses and employees working together to protect themselves, with benefits like flexible working taking the place of pay rises.
It also found recruitment is being frozen, although extra holidays have become more regular offerings as firms look to reduce their spending.
"This has been a particularly bruising recession, but one of its most positive and striking aspects has been the commitment of many businesses and their staff to work together to try to trim costs and save jobs," said CBI deputy director-general John Cridland.
He added the wage and recruitment issues should resolve themselves as the situation improves and explained the new ethic of helping the company and working flexibly could help the country long-term.
The poll of 704 employers found over half (55 per cent) had cut back on pay increases across the business, while 31 per cent had done so in only certain areas.
Meanwhile, the Professional Oversight Board recently suggested accountants are still a vital component for business success during the recession.
