The survey, carried out by business and enterprise education charity Young Enterprise, asked UK company HR directors questions relating to the skills of employees under the age of 22. The responses were worrying with 68% of respondents saying many young employees were not equipped for business, 84% saying that young people needed to gain more experience of the business world while at school or college and 70% promoting supplementing coursework with business training.

Of specific skills gaps mentioned, there were three main areas of concern highlighted with 50% citing project management, 49% leadership, and 45% financial skills. In addition, a third said poor presentation and reporting skills were a problem, while a further 35% believed time management skills were lacking.

The survey was released before this year’s A-level results, with 24.1% of those exams receiving an A grade. However, commenting in the Telegraph on business skills and exam results, CBI director general Richard Lambert wrote: “…how many of these young people will be equipped with the skills they will need to flourish in tomorrow's world? The answer, unfortunately, is not enough to meet the country's requirements.

“Even if the Government meets its existing targets, Britain will still be facing a serious shortfall of skills at all levels of education in the years ahead.”