UK will become second division economic power without science and maths skills
01/07/08 | 00:01
A report published tomorrow (Tuesday) by the University of Durham will reveal that students may be more likely to choose to study ‘easier’ subjects, and not opt to study science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects that are desperately needed by employers.
Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, David Frost, said:
"Three years on from the Government's vow to increase pupil numbers taking science subjects, this report is terrible news. The UK's economy is riddled with skills shortages in several key sectors, and our STEM subject take up remains depressingly poor.
"If the UK is to globally compete as an advanced industrial nation we will need a stream of highly skilled individuals with qualifications in both science and technology. If we do not do this we will become a second division economic power."
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Media Contacts:
Fiona Cunningham
Tel: 020 7654 5812
Email: f.cunningham@britishchambers.org.uk
OR
Sam Turvey
Tel: 020 7654 5813
Email: s.turvey@britishchambers.org.uk
Notes to Editors:
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is the National Voice of Local Business.
The BCC sits at the heart of a powerful nationwide network of Accredited Chambers of Commerce serving business across the UK, which employ over five million people.