A-Level playing field

I was shocked (ahem) to read bad news for employers - and aimless arts graduates - this week in the shape of a report from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

It seems that, despite the recession, almost half of us (employers, that is) are struggling to find staff with the requisite skills in science, technology, engineering and maths. A further 14 per cent expect to run into such problems within three years.

According to the CBI, companies would ideally recruit hip young gunslingers who've studied subjects likely to boost numeracy, business nous and science skills. Business studies was picked out as a perfect choice of A-Level subject by 42 per cent of
respondents, followed by maths at 21 per cent, English at 13 and physics and chemistry at nine. Psychology and sociology fared worst, scoring three and one per cent respectively.

Lord knows what most employers out there would make of Dave Jnr's A-Level line-up. I told the boy he wouldn't get far with philosophy, topiary and interpretative dance.