Graduates may have top qualifications, but they lack important skills needed for the world of work, according to a survey of employers.

Many large companies think most graduates leave university lacking initiative and without the ability to communicate effectively, figures suggest.

Nearly half of them believe graduates are not good at making decisions, while a third are unimpressed by their ability to solve problems or build relationships.

Nearly 80% said employees with these "soft skills" would find it easier to move up the corporate ladder.

The solution, according to the employers, is for young people to go on a "constructive" gap year which will help prepare them for work.

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The survey was carried out by the Association of Graduate Recruiters in partnership with the charity Community Service Volunteers (CSV), which helps many young people set up gap years both in the UK and abroad.

The survey involved 89 of the AGR's 450 members. Major employers who responded included IBM, HSBC and Railtrack.

AGR chief executive Carl Gilleard said: "This survey demonstrates many employers regard a constructive gap year as an ideal way of gaining those skills.

"I would recommend that all young people consider taking a gap year, regardless of the career path they are thinking about."

The CSV said students could take gap years between school and university, or take a year out during their degree, as long as they did something worthwhile.

Rebecca Pendle, director of full-time volunteering, said: "This survey confirms that volunteering can benefit you as well as the people you support."