The number of graduates who leave university in the UK without a job is expected to breach the 100,000 barrier, it has been reported.

According to the Times, official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) are predicted to confirm the news when they are made public later this week.

The publication states that tens of thousands of graduates who completed their tertiary education in 2009 are expected to add to the 70,000 individuals from last year who have not yet secured employment.

According to the paper: "The flood of applicants for the shrinking number of graduate jobs has led recruiters to become increasingly tough in their entrance requirements."

In addition, the total number of people under the age of 25 who do not have a job is expected to have exceeded one million last month, the publication said, citing the same ONS data.

Earlier this month, a spokesperson for Ofsted said that the government's Train to Gain initiative is helping employers to compete in the current economic climate.