BT has temporarily stopped its graduate recruitment scheme, citing the recession.

The scheme traditionally employs 130 graduates to be trained in one of three areas ICT, professional management or HR/marketing. The company receives thousands of applications each year.

In a statement, a company spokesperson said: "BT can confirm that it has decided to cease its graduate recruitment programme for the time being, as a result of the current economic environment and pressure on staff numbers."

"BT will be reviewing the status of its graduate programme on an ongoing basis and we are working to maintain our relationships on campus with students, faculty and career management services."

The company said that those currently working for them under the graduate scheme will continue to be supported.

BT is one on the largest employers in the country, but it recently faced scrutiny for cutting 10 per cent of its global workforce - amounting to 15,000 employees - after the same number the previous year.

The job cuts were down to huge losses in its Global Services division which also led to the resignation of its chief executive, Franois Barrault - albeit with a significant payoff.