Changes in the GCSE must equip students with the right skills for the workplace, according to a small firms group.

As thousands of young people anxiously await their GCSE results, the Federation of Small Businesses in Kent and Medway says recent research found that five in 10 small firms believe young people lack a good attitude to work as well as other skills such as problem solving.

The Government consultation on GCSE reform has now closed and the FSB believes it is vital that changes do not just focus on grades alone. Employers need the staff of the future to have much wider skills, such as communication, problem-solving and a good attitude to work.

Further research by the FSB suggests small firms believe numeracy (37%) and literacy (41%) are skills lacking in young people. The FSB suggests the Government should consider a pass/fail exam for these functional skills giving employers a clearer understanding of ability.

They also want to see more time in the school day for quality careers education and guidance. More than half (61%) of small firms are not confident they will find the right young person for the job.

Finally the FSB stresses how any change to the GCSE system must be clearly communicated to the 4.8 million small businesses in the UK. They need to know what exam grades mean when recruiting staff.

Roger House, FSB chairman for Kent and Medway, said: “It’s a nerve-wracking time waiting for your results that will set you on the career path, be it carrying on to do A-Levels or moving onto vocational qualifications such as an apprenticeship. Those young people about to leave education need to know they have been taught the skills needed for today’s competitive workplace.

“FSB Kent wants to see employability and personal skills embedded in everyday teaching and schools must focus on this alongside academic rigour. Young people need to know about business; what the workplace expects of them and how to pursue careers that suit their skills. They also need to be inspired. With any changes to the GCSE system, the Government must ensure they are clearly communicated to employers so they know what they mean.”

Mr House added that many small Kent businesses were keen to help improve employability skills by teaching young people about business and the workplace.