Recruiters should not use Ucas points for graduate recruitment, says expertCompanies looking to take on new talent from universities may find that they are using a system that was not intended for aiding the selection of job applicants.

That is according to Chris Jackson, a spokesperson for the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services, who suggested businesses who have graduate recruitment schemes that rely on the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas) points format may be losing out on highly talented candidates.

Only last week, Ucas announced it was to undertake a "comprehensive review" of its system and indicated that it current points measurement is outdated.

Mr Jackson said: "To use academic attainment at school when there is more recent evidence available is not in either students’ or employers’ interests."

Furthermore, he pointed out that it can reflect badly on a pupil who has flourished while at university, but may have performed "modestly" at school, perhaps due to circumstances including a relative lack of support and resources.

By Hayley Edwards