SCHOOL leavers and graduates unable to find work have led to an increase in the unemployment figure.

It has jumped to 462 – a rise of 31.

Social Security said five or six graduates returning to the island had registered as unemployed and the remainder of the rise was made up of school leavers.

Careers Service head Sarah Stonebridge said she had anticipated it would be more tough for school leavers.

‘In the current climate, it is no surprise school leavers are finding it difficult to compete for jobs against unemployed people with experience that have been made redundant,’ she said.

Last year, 10% of leavers were unemployed as of November 1 of the 492 seeking employment.

The Careers Service records the school leaver destinations as of that date to give them the opportunity to secure employment, education or training.

‘This is when we can report on the number of unemployed school leavers,’ she said.