Some recent university graduates who have had trouble finding a job have resorted to working in bath centers as masseurs.

College graduates learn foot massage as they apply for vacancies in a balneary centre in Beijing, April 15, 2007. [Xinhua]

The Beijing News reported on Monday that 5,000 students applied for jobs in this service sector. And 40 percent of those applicants were willing to be workers who rub the backs of customers at bath centers. This was considered surprising as most students have an elitist attitude towards this kind of work.

This latest development reveals the grim employment situation in China.

College graduates learn massage as they apply for vacancies in a balneary centre in Beijing, April 15, 2007. [CFP]

Typically, university graduates think they should not be doing manual or service work.. But this attitude is quickly disappearing because they cannot immediately find jobs in the fields they studied in.

Tian Chengping, minister of Labor and Social Security said China is seeing more laid-off workers and new job-seekers. Almost five million students will graduate from universities this year and rural laborers will continue to swarm major cities for work.

According to an online poll by popular news portal sina.com, 73 percent of 5,898 respondents believe four years of university study is pointless if all graduates become masseurs.

"We commit a crime if we squander natural resources. But it is the same if we use 'talents' at will," one wrote.

While 21 percent said despite the tough situation, graduates should broaden their views and avoid looking down upon menial jobs.

An unnamed employment expert said students should not be encouraged to become masseurs, but he understands they need to start their working life from somewhere.

"These students have changed their attitudes towards these kinds of jobs which are generally regarded as humble," he explained.

Many university students have decided to continue their studies at vocational schools to gain the upper hand in employment, media reports said.