The FPB, which represents 25,000 small and medium-sized businesses in the UK, claimed that the results of its own skills survey highlighted a pressing need for greater business awareness among school leavers. Alluding to the survey, the FPB's Research Project Manager, Rebecca Leavers, commented: "Our members are telling us that the literacy skills of 40% of school leavers are below average, and likewise the numeracy skills of 35%. However, what they have also identified is a lack of basic work ethics, and the ability and willingness to apply classroom knowledge to a workplace environment." 

Timothy Rhodes is Managing Director of Skypark Freight Limited in Liverpool, a logistics firm specialising in the automotive industry. He said: "A large part of skills problems is getting individuals to take responsibility for their own actions. By gearing students towards management and leadership in the correct manner it would open up new horizons for them and they will be able to work for any employer." 

The FPB believes that without a change it will be difficult to derive the full benefit from extra skills training and enterprise education in schools has a role to play. Miss Leavers continued: "If students are made aware early on that their classroom knowledge can be applied to workplace environments, and shown how to do it, then it will not only help to create the next generation of entrepreneurs, it will also lead to a greater pool of productive employees." 

Miss Leavers recommended paying greater attention to instilling entrepreneurial skills in students whilst at school, than to the recommendations of the Leitch Review, which called on employers to sign a pledge to train all employees to a higher level. "The incentive to train employees is already there," she said. "It is called productivity and profit. It doesn't need compulsion and regulation. What it needs is for those being trained to have the work ethic and willingness to take responsibility, that would make skills training more beneficial. That is why enterprise education in schools is vital. 

"Of course, we think enterprise education could be delivered more effectively, and we will be making those recommendations. However, we are also seeking from the Chancellor a sign that he is committed to it, and that he will fund it, both in the Budget and in the upcoming Comprehensive Spending Review," she concluded.