Latest news: Graduates lacking skills for the workplace

One fifth of UK employers believe school leavers make better employees than university graduates, according to new research by recruitment company Adecco. 19/01/2012

The UK’s largest recruiter is calling on educators, employers and government to identify and rectify substantial shortcomings in workplace skills as part of the Unlocking Britain’s Potential campaign.

According to employers, newcomers are found to be most lacking in interpersonal skills (41%), and critical IT skills (41%). A quarter of employers even report a lack of basic literacy and numeracy skills among graduate recruits.

‘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,’ said Chris Moore, managing director of Adecco Group Solutions.

Over half of employers (53%) argue that university graduates have unrealistic expectations of working life and one in three believe that the education system is failing to equip young people with the critical skills required for British businesses. Graduates seem to agree with 46% admitting that their degree failed to provide the right skills to enter the working world.

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 (91%) in greater esteem than academic or even vocational qualifications (35%) when assessing new recruits.