EMPLOYERS are not worried about A level grade inflation but are concerned about students being “totally unprepared” for the world of work, according to the CBI.

As the annual debate over exam results rages, the CBI praised the efforts of A level students and said claims of widespread employer concern about grade inflation are “wildly overdone”.

The CBI-Pertemps annual employment trends survey, due for release next month, is expected to highlight that firms want higher levels of literacy and numeracy, more teachers with better qualifications and extended modern apprenticeships.

The survey will also draw attention to the need for school leavers to improve their life skills.

Nigel Bourne, the CBI’s South East regional director, said: "There are simply too many young people who cannot read or write and do not understand the business world they are about to go into. That is where the education system is really letting down young people.

"Grade inflation is an important issue for some universities, but claims that employers are hugely worried are wildly overdone.

"It is not true that thousands of employers are concerned about differentiating between the brightest students. They are more worried by the real education scandal, which is the number of students who come out of the system totally unprepared for today's world of work.”

He added: "The hard work of A level students and teachers deserves praise. I am worried the discussion about grade inflation is taking the education debate in this country on an annual wild goose chase.

"Exam reform we will consider constructively, but I'm worried any radical move would pull away time and resources from far more pressing education priorities."