InsideJapan News Network

Japanese students graduating in spring have failed to find employment as career schemes shrink.

New figures from the government show that the economic conditions have undermined the number of options open for them and could lead many young people to look for part-time or contract positions.

The survey by the labour ministry and the education ministry revealed that 68.8 per cent of forthcoming graduates have gained a position - the lowest level since 1996 and 4.9 per cent lower than in 2009.

Students leaving junior college students are also facing a lack of job opportunities, with less than 50 per cent having secured employment, despite them graduating in March.

"We recognise that this is a serious situation," said chief cabinet secretary Yukio Edano.

He added: "The budget for the next fiscal year includes various employment measures, so they should be enacted and implemented as soon as possible."

Bloomberg News recently reported that some business executives are advising graduates to consider obtaining jobs outside of the financial sector to ensure their long-term prospects.

Written by Mark Smith