Students graduating from university this year might find it harder to get jobs, according to Deloitte, one of the UK’s largest private sector employers. Deloitte, which opened applications three months early this year, has seen a 22% increase in students applying for graduate positions.

There are no more positions, however, than last year.

Many students who might have waited for the Milk Round in the autumn have applied early, said Sarah Shillingford, graduate recruitment partner.

And some who might have taken a gap year are applying during their final year rather than on their return from travelling.

Economic uncertainty has led some graduate recruiters to reduce the number of jobs they have available, leading to greater demand for the roles on offer.

Deloitte recruits over 1,400 graduates and undergraduates each year and receives around 10 applications for each vacancy.