NATIONAL business group the Forum of Private Business welcomes today’s announcement by the business secretary, Vince Cable, of further education teaching bursaries of up to £20,000 to improve numeracy and literacy teaching of young people.

The Forum’s Chief Executive, Phil Orford MBE, said: “The mismatch between employers’ needs and the local job market continues to cause concern for our members, in particular the large number of young people leaving education lacking in basic numeracy and literacy skills. In a recent survey over half of our members saw basic skills as crucial for prospective employees, and the Forum provides comprehensive recruitment advice and support to our members to help them find the right candidates.

“We welcome the Government’s plans to improve the quality of teaching standards in these areas, which will go some way to addressing the needs of employers looking to recruit young people.”