The survey comes as the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (Dius) begins a new "graduate talent pool" as part of its internship programme.

BBC: Students fear harsh jobs market

Dius is also considering proposals to create two funds to encourage venture capitalists to invest in small high-tech companies by matching their investment with public funding.

BBC: Ministers' ?1bn UK science plea

They are telling ministers and officials at Dius that additional spending on research grants or post-doctoral fellowships could help ensure that the UK retains talent for when the economy picks up.

BBC: Ministers' ?1bn UK science plea