Working in a graduate job is ''balancing act'' for Gen Y employees

Gen Y employees taking their first job must engage in a "balancing act" to ensure all expenses are covered every month.

Writing for the Hemscott website, Holly Cook pointed out that student loan deductions, coupled with other types student debt in the form of credit cards and loans, can leave graduates'' salaries looking "much less impressive" than on first glance.

She said that tackling student debt should be a priority for Gen Y employees, along with storing away cash in an "emergency fund".

However, employers can help graduates with their living costs through initiatives such as cycle to work schemes.

"Cycling is free once you''ve got your wheels," Ms Cook remarked.

She added: "The good news for new grads is that they have a lot more flexibility than other people in terms of their living situation."

Other employee benefits could ease the burden on graduates - personally tailored hours could also help staff to achieve a better work-life balance.

The Trades Union Congress recently claimed that implementing flexible hours can improve staff retention and productivity. Back