More than half of employers say school leavers often cannot function in the workplace due to a lack of basic maths and literacy, a CBI survey has warned.
A survey of 507 firms by the UK’s biggest business group revealed that more than half of employers are unhappy with the fundamental English and maths skills of school leavers, with many businesses having to retrain teenagers on basics that should have been covered in the classroom.
The 2007 CBI/Pertemps Employment Trends Survey show 52% of employers are dissatisfied with the basic literacy of school leavers, and 50% with their basic numeracy, but that an overwhelming 92% are satisfied with their IT skills.
The CBI is concerned that, although the Government has made some clear progress, not enough young people are hitting employers' “benchmark” standard of a C-grade or above in GCSE English and maths. Just 47% managed to achieve both in 2006, meaning around 340,000 young people finished compulsory education without them.
Employers also report that among all school leavers, but particularly the 53% who do not reach the benchmark, deficiencies in maths and English basics often leave teenagers unable to function in the workplace because they cannot make simple calculations in their heads, speak in a suitably articulate manner, or understand written instructions.
Richard Lambert, CBI Director-General, said, "Young people are clearly doing some things very well. These technology-smart whiz kids are making a great impression at businesses with their expertise in IT and computing. Their fluency with iPods, mobiles and MySpace has translated well into the workplace, and often gives them an edge over their bosses. The greater focus on IT in schools and investment in computers is also helping.
"The challenge ahead is for schools to channel that same enthusiasm into numeracy and literacy skills, where far too many young people are struggling. Maths and English skills are a vital bedrock for further learning, and are essential both in the workplace and in life. We have to sharpen the skills of more of our young people, so that they are starting from the strongest possible position. "The implications of not doing so are grave. We simply cannot match the labour costs of India, China, and other emerging economies, and only a higher-skilled workforce will keep the UK competitive. The under qualified will be left to choose from an ever dwindling pool of unskilled jobs.
"Basic literacy and numeracy problems are a nightmare for business and for individuals, so we have to get these essentials right. Progress has been made, but it is nowhere near enough, especially considering the massive investment made in education."
The survey also shows that 71% of employers feel school leavers lack business awareness, and 50% are dissatisfied with their generic employability skills.

(Courtesy The People Bulletin)

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