Industry News
'Generation text lack basic skills'
Posted on 20th August 2007
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has warned school-leavers often have 'dazzling' IT skills but lack basic abilities in English and maths.
It has published results of a survey conducted with Pertemps which concludes 92 per cent employers are satisfied with the IT skills of "generation text".
However 50 per cent are unhappy with numeracy skills and 52 per cent with their literacy.
Richard Lambert, CBI director-general commented strong IT skills often gave school-leavers "an edge over their bosses".
He said: "The challenge ahead is for schools to channel that same enthusiasm into numeracy and literacy skills, where far too many young people are struggling."
The survey also found 15 per cent of employers' offer remedial training in maths and 13 per cent give staff training in basic literacy.
The CBI is a lobbying organisation aimed at ensuring UK businesses remain competitive. Its mission is to ensure British businesses can compete and prosper.