Public sector: better work-life balance

The poll suggests that a majority of graduates are willing to forgo the prospect of a management post in order to pursue a career which allows them time with family and friends.

Hard-pressed by mounting student debt, 45% of the 1,000 graduates surveyed still said salary was key to their choice of first job on leaving University.

But this was followed closely in the graduate wish-list by a good work-life balance, with 32% citing this as an important consideration in their choice of career.

Over all, the number of students choosing to join the expanding public sector on leaving University has now exceeded those opting for a career in the private sector.

The survey showed that 32% of this year's graduates would like to work in the public sector, while 31% said they wanted a job in a blue chip company.

But only 27% said that they wanted to work in a small or medium sized firm.

No poor relation

The findings are backed up by new figures suggesting that working in the public sector is no longer at odds with earning a good salary.

The public sector has a great deal to offer young graduates looking for their first job, not least working conditions that often mean a better balanced life Mike Hill, Graduate Prospects

State sector starting salaries now average �19,900, up an inflation-busting 4.7% on last year.

What is more, state sector employees often enjoy better pensions than their private sector counterparts.

Traditionally, entering the public services has not offered a fast route to a management role.

However, the current crop of graduates seem unconcerned about potential slow progress up the career ladder.

Only 5% of graduates surveyed said that the most important factor in choosing a career was the chance of early management responsibilities.

"The public sector has a great deal to offer young graduates looking for their first job, not least working conditions that often mean a better balanced life," Mike Hill chief executive of Graduate Prospects said.