University leavers who are currently struggling to find a graduate job should consider taking a gap year, it has been claimed.

With the competitive nature of the graduate job market, students could embark on a gap year to learn new skills and experience a different culture abroad.

Tom Hall, editor of travel guide specialists Lonely Planet, expressed his belief that a gap year may be "time better spent" than searching for a role in the UK.

He said: "The benefits on individuals, and therefore by extension the institutions that they attach themselves to, for going away for a period of time, taking steps to learn about the world and better yourself are undeniable."

Mr Hall also claimed that graduates could profit from learning new languages which would boost their employability when they return to Britain.

It comes as campaigning group Parents Outloud advised A-level students to take a gap year if they fail to gain a university place.