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School leavers ill-prepared for work, say FSB

School leavers are not properly prepared for the world of work, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

80% of businesses believed that school leavers are not ready for work, and called for improved preparation for employment within schools.

Small businesses that currently employ 16-17 year olds said that basic skills were lacking, as 59% said literacy skills were of a poor standard and 55% said numeracy skills fell short of requirements, as well as a reported 56% of businesses that reported poor communication skills

FSB members have voiced their concerns that young people are not properly equipped with basic skills, while youth unemployment is at current high level of 23%.

Young people’s businesses awareness was also criticised, as 77% of respondents that employed 16 to 17-year olds said young people should be educated in problem solving, team building, time-keeping and CV writing to improve job prospects and provide better staff for employers.

GCSE students are set to receive their results this week, with many of these students entering the job market.

FSB have emphasised the need for schools to intervene in providing a basic level of skills required to enter employment with a business.

Wilfre Mitchell OBE, Policy chairman of FSB said: “It is a concern that businesses have again highlighted numeracy, literacy and core workplace skills, such as communication, as major problems.

“These are the skills with which young people need to be equipped with to be successful
in today’s tough jobs market.

“We want to see schools give these skills a higher priority by embedding them in all teaching from an early stage.

“All schools should be offering work experience and careers guidance to their pupils and engaging with local small businesses to ensure that young people are getting the work-related learning that they need.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .