WA44

One third of firms "dissatisfied" with school leavers

UK businesses are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with school leavers' basic skills, the Confederation of British Industry has warned.

A recent survey from the business organisation has revealed that 33% of firms are having to give remedial training to school leavers.

37% of firms believe that school leavers have inadequate literacy and numeracy skills, compared with 34% in 2003.

The latest figures suggest that employers spend more than £23bn every year on training staff.

Much of this is spent 'ironing out' basic problems, according to the CBI.

The survey also revealed that 41% of firms are not satisfied with school leavers' business awareness, and 46% feel that they lack the necessary self-management skills.

Digby Jones, director general of the CBI, said, 'The education system is letting down many young people and leaving them unprepared for the world of work'.

'Employers are left to pick up the pieces and the bill, with many resorting to basic training to compensate for the shortcomings of an education system that they have already paid for through increased business taxation', he added.

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