Employers 'let down by schools'

One in three employers are having to provide their staff with remedial lessons in literacy and numeracy, according to a new survey.

The CBI study was commissioned by the Department for Education and Skills as part of their drive to raise basic skill levels.

A total of 140 companies were questioned in an effort to understand what skills employers require and what needs to be done to improve standards at work.

Many of the managers quizzed for the survey said that staff need to be able to use correct spelling and grammar and should be competent in simple mental arithmetic without the use of a calculator.

The CBI has now said that the UK must "raise its game" if it is to compete successfully in the global economy.

CBI director general Richard Lambert said far too many school leavers are struggling with essential 'life skills'.

"The fact that one in three employers ran remedial courses for their staff in the last year is a sad indictment of how the education system has let young people down," he added.

"Acknowledging the problem and commissioning this report are first steps but the government must show a far greater sense of urgency and purpose if it is to deliver on its promise to sort this out."

The CBI said it supports the government's decision to build functional skills modules into GCSE maths and English and into the new vocational diplomas.