'Too few study science A-level'
Updated on 16 August 2007
Teenagers who achieved record A-level results have won plaudits from politicians but employers warn too few are studying science.
Scientists warn that physics is still in a "critical" condition despite a small increase in the number of pupils taking the subject this year.
Richard Lambert, CBI director-general, said not enough teenagers were taking science subjects, despite slightly better figures for physics and chemistry this year.
He said: "A-levels are highly rated by firms as an indicator of ability and commitment and they are the gateway to the graduate skills that employers are crying out for.
"Businesses are far more worried about the low numbers studying chemistry, physics and maths than they are about the grade inflation debate.
"We are facing a growing skills shortage in these areas that has serious implications for the future health of our economy.
"Numbers studying physics are little more than flat-lining at a time when they need to rise sharply.
"Both maths and chemistry have rallied from their low points in recent years, but neither is seeing the interest they enjoyed less than a decade ago, and the economy needs far more young people with these skills."
Martin Rees, president of the Royal Society, said the results provided "a suggestion" that the health of maths and science was starting to recover.
But he continued: "Physics remains on the critical list despite the slight increase in numbers of students sitting the subject.
These news feeds are provided by an independent third party and Channel 4 is not responsible or liable to you for the same.
