One in five firms prefer school-leavers to graduates

The Daily Telegraph reported on a survey by recruitment giant Adecco, which has found that one in three of the 1,000 firms surveyed believed that the education system was failing to equip young people with the skills required by British businesses. Newcomers to the world of work were found to be most lacking in interpersonal and computer skills. Adecco called on the education system, employers and the Government to tackle ”substantial shortcomings” in workplace skills.

Newcomers to the world of work were found to be most lacking in interpersonal and computer skills, while one in four employers reported a lack of basic literacy and numeracy skills among graduate recruits.

Chris Moore, of Adecco Group, said: ”Undeniably, Britain has one of the best and most advanced education systems in the world but it must deliver a talented, reliable graduate workforce that brings demonstrable value to UK plc. On a significant scale, employers believe it is failing to do that.

”Although extremely valuable, a strong academic record is no longer a sufficient prerequisite for entry into today’s working environment. Employers now hold attitude and personality in greater esteem than academic or even vocational qualifications when assessing new recruits