The economic downturn is not just affecting the country's workforce - it is also hitting people who have not yet started work.

Hundreds of graduates from Oxford and other universities who were offered Jobs by major management consultancies such as Accenture and PriceWaterhouse Coopers have had job offers withdrawn or been told not to report for work until the New Year. Even before the attack on the World Trade Centre, companies were caught out by the high proportion of candidates who accepted job offers this year.

Normally, consultancies expect up to a third of those offered jobs to turn them down for other posts.

Internet company GoJobsite.co.uk says graduates whose start dates have been postponed should not despair, but should take the chance to do something constructive and streng- then their CVs.

Jackie Jones, GoJobsite's human resources director, said: "If you can build up your skills base now, you'll be even better equipped when you do start your job.

"If your start date has been postponed, use this time to add extra strings to your bow.

"In the global economy, languages are invaluable.

"So brush up on your French and you could find yourself seconded to the Paris office.

"IT is another key skill to have these days - we can all type a letter, but could you pull together a budget spreadsheet?"

If your job is now non-existent, follow GoJobsite's tips and you should not be unemployed for long:

** Be inventive - you can learn new skills stacking shelves, so make the most of any job you take.

** Network like mad -- tell your friends and relatives that you're looking for a job, they may know of an opening at their company.

** Offer your services free of charge -- a work experience placement can lead to a full-time job.