THE Institute of Directors has called for improvements to the existing education structure rather than a massive upheaval in the examination system.

The call comes in the wake of the publication of the Tomlinson report and the IoD wants to see a system that focuses on producing better-educated school leavers.

Richard Wilson, the IoD's head of business policy, said: "The IoD agrees with much of the Tomlinson Working Group's analysis of the weaknesses in the education system.

"Forty eight per cent of IoD members in a recent NOP survey said their organisation had encountered basic literacy and numeracy deficiencies in young employees. Ninety five per cent of members in our NOP survey said the main priority for the Government should be to ensure all young people leave school literate and numerate.

The IoD argues that a revolution in the examination system alone will not deliver the required improvements because it does not solve the problem of shortages of teachers in key subjects such as mathematics.

It claims the establishment of the diploma would be disruptive and costly and would not guarantee higher standards or improvements in literacy and numeracy skills.

Mr Wilson added: "Rather than initiating a massive upheaval in the examination system, the Government should retain the essence of the existing structure, make improvements where necessary and focus on driving up literacy and numeracy skills - this is business's priority."