A new survey has revealed restlessness in Australia’s young work force, with more Gen Y’s taking flight for jobs overseas.

Youth unemployment in Australia is about twice as high as any other age bracket. Paradoxically, 71 per cent of Australians placed experience higher than education in importance for job-seekers, a perception seen in the survey to be forcing young people overseas in the search for work. Fifty two per cent of young Australians surveyed stated they would be willing to look overseas for a job if there wasn’t a suitable one in Australia.

The latest Randstad report says 56 per cent of Australians believe under-25s have it tough in the jobs market, 68 per cent stated that they had to take jobs below their education level just to get hired.

Steve Shepherd, group director at Randstad, says “talent is talent and young, fresh, ambitious employees, combined with more experienced and knowledgeable talent is a winning balance for any business... offering strong training and development programs, along with implementing cadetships and other similar programs can help.”

Despite thousands struggling to find a job, most businesses said the problem is not with them; 77 per cent claim to see the benefit in hiring over-50s, while 78 per cent saw wisdom in hiring youth.