Youngsters ‘lack key skills’

Published on 23/08/2012 02:23

EIGHT in ten firms are concerned that school leavers are not prepared for the world of work, a poll suggests.

Companies claim there are widespread concerns among small businesses about literacy and numeracy skills.

The survey, which questioned almost 3,000 companies, also reveals worries about school leavers’ self-management skills as well as their ability to work in teams and communicate. In total, 81 per cent of the firms questioned by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said they were not confident that school leavers are ready for work.

FSB national chairman John Walker said: “Businesses are more than ready to invest time and money training staff in job-related skills, but expect them to come with at least the basics.

“It is a concern that businesses have again highlighted numeracy, literacy and core workplace skills, such as communication, as major problems.”