The CBI can sometimes seem like a club for professional complainers but they are important, and their views matter. In their latest report, more than four out of 10 of the employers sampled are unhappy with youngsters' use of English, while 35% bemoan their numeracy skills. The report also said that 44% had to invest in remedial training for school and college leavers. Some 69% complained about inadequate business and customer awareness and 55% highlighted poor self-management skills.
John Cridland, director general of the CBI, said: "It's alarming that a significant number of employers have concerns about the basic skills of school and college leavers. Companies do not expect schools and colleges to produce 'job-ready' young people, but having a solid foundation in basic skills such as literacy and numeracy is fundamental for work." He also called on the government to do more to promote STEM: "Higher-skilled employees, especially in science, technology, engineering and maths will be some of the most in demand. The government must improve the take-up of science and maths in schools and support the development of Stem apprenticeship programmes so that employers are able to recruit the right people to drive growth."