There's a friend of mine who works as a recruiter for a managment consultancy. He says that IBM BCS have stopped all recruitment, and have withdrawn open offers. Is this true ? Why would it happen ?

Just a thought. Have a look at this (from last week): http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4515101.stm

i was wondering exactly the same thing. However i have a first round selection day for IBM BCS this friday and they havent notified me of any changes. But i heard that they are getting rid of mainly middle management people, so i guess that dont count the graduate starters. This is one question i will definately put forward at my interview.

If you look at the latest IBM adverts...."The Other IBM"...these all relate to the services/consultancy arm of the business, and it's currently performing well. So don't be too concerned.

I do't think they have, as i got a reply email to my application submission which did not mention that recruitment had closed. They would usually reject applications if recruitment had closed.

I do a lot of receruitment for PA (lots of IBM'ers going through the interview rounds here at the moment, btw), and can confirm that recruitment agents are saying that IBM BCS in the UK have stopped hiring.

Hey cheggs, Is it true that PA are finding it difficult to recruit at graduate level this year for strategy and marketing and public sector due to the low quality level of graduates? I heard they have also extended numerous deadlines? Is this true or nonsense. Cheers

IBM BCS is ruthlessly dictated to by its sales figures for the quarter. They were under target. They have put a moratorium on experienced hires, but not graduates.